Irish government to restore cash promise for A5

The road is considered one of the most dangerous on the island of Ireland, claiming more than 50 lives since 2006

The Irish government is poised to restore its funding promise of £400m for the A5.

The dual carriageway project is to improve the main route between Londonderry and Dublin.

A high-level Irish government source has confirmed to the BBC that the full amount will be restored after the cabinet meets on Tuesday.

Expectations were raised when it was put to the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) a week ago that the government should provide more funding.

Speaking in the Dáil (Irish lower house of parliament), Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said more funding to help complete the major upgrade would now be considered after it was majorly reduced during the financial crash.

Analysis: Julian Fowler, BBC NI South West reporter

I think we are closer to work beginning on the A5.

We heard in the public inquiry from departmental officials saying if the planning process is approved contractors can move and start work on the project this year.

Obviously the funding is the main issue. We’ve got 25% of the overall cost coming from Dublin set to be approved on Tuesday.

But this road is going to be built in stages, so if this funding is in place on Tuesday and planning is approved then they can start work on the first section, which would be the northern-most section.

That first section of road could be completed by the end of 2026.

Leo Varadkar said the Irish government "should be in a position next week or two to make a revised financial commitment to the A5"

In response to a question from the Sinn Féin TD for Donegal, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Mr Varadkar said the government would soon be in a position to "make a revised financial commitment to the A5".

"We didn't actually remove our commitment, but we did reduce it substantially on account of the financial crisis that occurred here," he said.

"The situation is now different, we are now in a much better position financially as a country and the Northern Ireland Executive is now back up and running."

The Irish government had previously pledged to contribute £400m to the total cost of the major road project as part of the St Andrews Agreement, but this offer was then reduced.

The road is considered one of the most dangerous on the island of Ireland, claiming more than 50 lives since 2006.

Despite first being announced about 16 years ago, work has not yet started in any substantial form on the proposed dual carriageway upgrade and has beset by numerous delays.

If completed, the major upgrade would be the largest road ever built in Northern Ireland, with an estimated cost of about £1.6bn.

'Positive move'

Kate Corrigan said there could not be any more delays in the upgrade of the road

Kate Corrigan, whose son Nathan died in December 2021 in a collision on the A5, said work on the road was “very much needed”.

"It’s a pity it hadn’t happened long ago. Nathan may well have been still with us if the upgrade had gone ahead whenever it was supposed to have gone ahead 16 years ago," she told Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme.

"However, we are where we are and it’s a welcome statement and a very welcome financial contribution to help push this upgrade ahead."

She added: "Every time somebody’s travelling down that road their lives are at risk and there really can’t be any more delays."

"So I do feel that this is a very positive move. "

Caoimhe O'Brien was killed in a car crash on the A5 in 2016

'Not fit for purpose'

Caoimhe O'Brien was killed in a crash on the road between Londonderry and Strabane in October 2016.

Her mother Marie said there can be no further delays in getting the road upgraded and said any increase in funding by the Irish government is welcome.

"That road is not fit for purpose," Marie O'Brien said.

"I don't want anyone else going through what we did, as a family. I don't want to see another family get that knock on the door.

"I just want to see that road upgraded - it will not bring Caoimhe back but it could save somebody else's child or loved one and that's all I can hope for."

George Fleming said his business relies on the A5 for transporting agricultural machinery across the island of Ireland and the UK

George Fleming, who is the chair of Fleming Agri-Products, said his business relies on the A5 for transporting agricultural machinery across the island of Ireland and the UK.

Mr Fleming said it is imperative the road upgrade is done as soon as possible to ensure greater safety for his drivers.

"The A5 is a disastrous journey, especially from here to Aughnacloy - it's just so dangerous," he told BBC News NI.

Mr Fleming said at least 50% of what they manufacture is transported on the A5 and said he hopes any proposed Irish government funding will go some way towards seeing that work begin sooner rather than later.