Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
63. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the progress of the A5; his engagement with his counterparts in Northern Ireland on this project; the funding that will be made available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7503/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. The current funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. This Agreement reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional £25 million to ensure that the first phase of the project from Newbuildings to north of Strabane could commence once Northern Ireland authorities were in a position to start work on the project. As a result of the Capital Plan Review funding is being allocated to my Department to meet the Government's commitment in the Fresh Start Agreement.
While, in the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive the North South Ministerial Council has not been meeting, the Senior Officials Group, comprising Northern and Southern officials, established to oversee implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement has been continuing to meet.
