Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
185. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with his Northern Irish counterpart in respect of the proposed A5 upgrade in the context of the new shared island fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1506/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the planning and implementation of the proposed A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. Following the quashing of the decision to proceed with the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme in November 2018, the Department for Infrastructure has been progressing the necessary work to enable a fresh decision to be taken. A Public Inquiry
concluded on 13th March 2020 and an Interim Inspector’s Report is under consideration at present.
The status of the A5 scheme has been a regular item for discussion at both NSMC Transport Sectoral and Plenary meetings. The most recent Plenary meeting held on 18th December 2020 noted the commitment of both Administrations to the delivery of the A5 and that next steps for the project will be informed by the Interim Report from the Public Inquiry.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 are governed by the commitments in the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start and in the New Decade, New Approach document. The Government is committed to providing funding of £75 million (sterling) towards the cost of Phase 1a of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded. Any future decisions would be a matter for consideration by Government taking into account the new Shared Island Fund.
