Derry to Strabane A5 start date pushed back to spring 2021

Transport Minister Nichola Mallon said work on Phase 1A of the road - the Newbuildings to Strabane stretch - will probably not start until next spring.

Back in January Ms. Mallon suggested work on the northernmost section of the road could start in late 2020 or early 2021 with completion slated for 2023.

Ms. Mallon has now confirmed that that timeframe was too optimistic,

She said: “The previous Executive agreed an indicative funding package for the A5 up to 2020/21, as a Flagship Project and the Fresh Start Agreement affirmed the Irish Government’s commitment of £75 million to allow the construction of the Phase 1A, from New Buildings to north of Strabane.

“In New Decade: New Approach the UK Government committed to infrastructure funding for investment in capital projects such as the A5 and the Irish Government re-affirmed its £75 million commitment to Phase 1A. I very much welcome these commitments and I want to see this project progress.

“Whilst I had been hopeful that Phase 1A could commence in early 2021, this is now likely to be spring 2021, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of all statutory procedures, as the Inspector has indicated that his findings , following the Public Inquiry, will not be presented to the Department until the end of September 2020.

“The progression of each phase will depend on the availability of future funding, in Budgets and subsequent Spending Rounds.”