Implementation 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. The Northern Ireland authorities have been working hard 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 next step is for the Department for Regional Development 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 later this month.
As regards the N14/N15, the proposed link to the proposed A5 has planning approval and could be progressed by the NRA, subject to the availability of funding, once the connecting part of the A5 is upgraded.
