Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 July 2014
774. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals to progress the A5 road project in view of the commitment in the statement of Government priorities that a particular emphasis would be placed on infrastructural development in the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32409/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning of the A5 upgrade is a matter for the Road Service in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland High Court decided in March 2013 that an Appropriate Assessment of the impact of the A5 scheme on the River Foyle and River Finn special areas of conservation under the Habitats Directive was needed and consequently quashed the Minister for Regional Development’s approval for construction of two road sections of the route.
Since that decision the Northern Ireland authorities have been working on the preparation of the necessary environmental assessments and revised statutory orders and considerable progress has been made in getting the assessments and orders prepared and out for public consultation. The outcome of the public consultation process will have to be considered and factored into the decision on the need for a new Public Inquiry next year.
There will be continued liaison with the Northern Ireland authorities in relation to the project under the aegis of the North South Ministerial Council.
