A5: Minister meets with campaigners calling for road upgrade

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John O'DowdImage source, Pacemaker
Image caption,

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said he anticipated further legal challenges to the upgrade project

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has met campaigners who are calling for the A5 road upgrade to be prioritised by Stormont.

He said it had been "heart-breaking" to hear from those who have lost loved ones in accidents on the road.

More than 50 people have died on the road since 2006.

But a long-planned upgrade has been hit by a series of delays and legal challenges.

The 53-mile scheme would be the largest road ever built in Northern Ireland, with an estimated cost of around £1.6 billion.

Despite first being announced about 17 years ago, work on the A5 upgrade has not yet started.

A planning appeals public inquiry has been hearing the arguments for and against the proposals.

Image caption,

The Road is the main route between Londonderry and Dublin

Speaking at Stormont after the meeting with members of Enough is Enough, Mr O'Dowd said he was determined to deliver the project.

He said he could not provide a timescale for making a decision on when work could begin.

"I am dealing with a complex and detailed report from the inquiry, I want to ensure I am satisfied I've answered all questions and make sure it is legally robust," he said.

"Given the history of this project and legal challenges to date it's fair to surmise there will be more legal challenges in the future.

"I want to ensure I deliver on this flagship project... and we can move forward on a sound basis."

The minister said he was satisfied that the money required for the scheme was "secured".

Last month the Irish government confirmed it would contribute €600m for the upgrade of the A5, as part of investment for cross-border projects.

Niall McKenna, chairman of the Enough is Enough campaign group said the meeting with Mr O'Dowd was "very positive" and a chance for his group to put across the "human side of the story".

But he warned that a decision is needed "sooner rather than later" to prevent the risk of more people losing their lives on the road.