Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
478. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Northern Ireland Executive has updated him on its revised plans for expenditure on the A5 dual carriageway (details supplied); the amount of money the Executive will spend on the project; the timescale within which this expenditure will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2165/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start reaffirms the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and commits an additional £25 million to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues have been resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. Under the Agreement it is envisaged that construction of Phase 1 of the A5 will start in 2017 with a view to completion in 2019. In keeping with the revised project timeline, the Government funding is to be provided in three tranches of £25 million in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Northern Ireland Executive decisions on funding allocations are a matter for the Executive and it is not a matter on which I propose to comment. The Irish Government will be liaising with the Northern Ireland authorities on project implementation under the aegis of the North South Ministerial Council and an initial meeting of senior officials from both sides has taken place regarding implementation of commitments under the Agreement.
