Alliance Regional Development Spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has expressed disappointment at news that the Irish Government has withdrawn funding for the A5 Derry to Aughnacloy road upgrade. Alliance supports a modified A5 upgrade including overtaking lanes, safety work, straightening sections and some online widening, as opposed to the full upgrade which was proposed.
Stewart Dickson MLA said: “It is disappointing that this funding for the scheme has been withdrawn. Alliance supports a modified A5 project which would include overtaking lanes, safety work, straightening sections and some online widening. We want to see a scaled-back upgrade as opposed to the full upgrade as was proposed, and the loss of this funding could unfortunately have a profound impact on the prospect of any upgrade happening.
“This news changes the whole dynamic for the Regional Development Minister in terms of how he distributes his budget.
“There are a number of road projects that the Minister must give consideration to at present and I would hope that he will re-examine the case for the upgrade of the A2 between Belfast and Carrickfergus as I believe that it would greatly benefit our economy and be a significant boost to our infrastructure.”
ENDS