Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
79. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the A5-N2 project; its position within the new national development plan; the timeframe for the delivery and completion of the project; if the link between Lifford and Letterkenny, the N13-N14, forms part of the overall project; if a timeframe can be confirmed for this part of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7508/18]
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 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. The funding allocated to my Department as part of the Capital Plan Review includes financial provision for meeting the Government's commitment regarding the A5.
The National Development Plan is about to the published and will outline the framework and broad direction for investment priorities over the period 2018 to 2027.
In relation to the national roads mentioned by the Deputy, as Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual national road projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's Question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
