£9.2m allocation for A5 paves way for work, says Foyle MLA Martina Anderson

The cost of the key infrastructure project is now estimated at over £1billion.

But Ms. Anderson said an allocation of £9.2m under the Executive budget should allow Phase 1A of the road - the Newbuildings to Strabane stretch - to proceed.

“I welcome confirmation from Finance Minister Conor Murphy that £9.2m has been allocated from the Executive budget specifically for Phase 1A of the A5 project. This phase of the project is from Newbuildings to the north of Strabane.

“The Finance Minister has allocated the highest capital allocation to the Department of Infrastructure in the history of devolution in the North. This will assist in the progress of essential flagship projects like the A5 and A6.

“The increased financial resources for Department of Infrastructure (DfI) has also provided reassurances to the community in West of the Bann following comments from Infrastructure Minister Mallon in which she indicated there was a shortfall in funding for executive flagship projects such as the A5.

“The delivery of the A5 project is central to redressing regional disparities and to encouraging economic growth West of the Bann,” said the Derry MLA.

The roads minister Nichola Mallon has said she is fully committed to the delivery of the A5 road scheme.

However, she recently acknowledged that Phase 1A - the northernmost section - is not likely to be spade ready until next spring.

Ms. Anderson said: “It is crucial that we proactively dismantle barriers to economic growth as we plan a just economic recovery from COVID-19. As well as the economic benefits that will come from improved connectivity with the rest of the island, the A5 road upgrade is necessary for safety.”