Road Projects Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017

Wednesday, 8 February 2017

Ceisteanna (69)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

69. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5 in view of Brexit and his recent engagement with his Northern Ireland counterparts in relation to this; the total funding commitment made by the Government for the project; the total funding commitment made by the Northern Ireland Government; when he expects the A5 to be completed; the status of the funding which was allocated under the St. Andrew's Agreement; if it is still available for the A5 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5754/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As I outlined to the Deputy in my reply to PQ 32793/16 of 2 November 2016, the planning and implementation of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. As the Deputy is aware the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start - reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed 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.

The A5 project was discussed at the North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectoral meeting on 12th December.  The Council noted that the Public Inquiry into the road scheme opened on 4 October 2016 and that the Inspector's report is expected around May 2017.