Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
131. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the A5 project; the progress being made; when he envisages construction on the project will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9983/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraImplementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. The quashing by the High Court in 2013 of the Minister for Regional Development’s approval for the construction of two sections of the road has resulted in significant delay. Since then the Northern Ireland authorities have been working on the additional evaluations needed in relation to the project. The Department for Regional Development has completed public consultation exercises on four reports intended to address impacts on all areas with Environmental designations, including Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites, together with proposed mitigation measures.
I understand that the Department intends, once consideration of the outcome of the public consultation on these reports is completed, to initiate a public consultation process on an updated Environmental Statement, draft Vesting Order and the draft Direction Order for the scheme. It is possible that this will be followed by a new Public Inquiry regarding the scheme. This will be a matter for decision by the Northern authorities.
I will continue to liaise with my Northern colleagues on the project through the Transport Sector of the North South Ministerial Council. The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for April this year.
