Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2023
80. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 18 January 2023, if he will clarify the total commitment to the project to upgrade the A5 road; if the commitment is worth €75 million or if there is a higher number or percentage that has been committed to when statutory approval is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5704/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated in answer to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 18 January 2023, the funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start, and under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded.
The Government is committed to deliver on its funding commitment to the A5 project, which is also included in the "New Decade, New Approach" document of 2020 and most recently, in our revised National Development Plan.
Allowing for the time required for the conclusion of a public inquiry process and for all new decisions to be implemented, together with the possibility of a further legal challenge, the timeframe for delivery of the A5 project is uncertain. However, provision of £25 million sterling is being made by my Department in 2023 for funding the scheme, should this be required.
