A5 and N2 road links
Deputy Carthy sought an assurance that the Government would honour its co-funding commitment to the A5 and support the connected N2 works. The Taoiseach restated the commitment, said the Government would engage on extra funding if needed, and noted that tie-ins would also need to be built.
I return to the issue of the A5 road. As the Taoiseach will know, regrettably recently there was another tragedy on that road in County Tyrone. The A5 along with the N2 in this State is the most dangerous road in Ireland. In recognition of this, the need for improved transport links to the north west and, as the Taoiseach has acknowledged, the all-Ireland economic opportunities generated by this road when it is developed, will he give an absolute assurance that the Government will adhere to its previous commitment to co-finance the A5 road? Will he also ensure that the proposed sections of the linking N2 road, especially in County Monaghan, receive the funding they need to proceed to the next stages this year?
Comment on this
I am happy to reiterate and stand over the financial commitment we have made to co-fund the A5 once it gets through its various planning issues. We will be happy to engage with the British Government and Northern Ireland Executive about an additional contribution because the cost has gone up a lot because of the delays. Of course, it would make no sense to build the A5 and not build the tie-ins to the N2 and the tie-ins in Donegal. I think funding has been provided for some of that - certainly from Clontibret to the Border. I am not sure about the other side, but I will check with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, on that. Suffice it to say, it would make no sense to build the A5 and not link it properly to Letterkenny and to the M1.