Councils and campaigners demand action

A POWERFUL message of unity echoed across the Nort West as members of the A5/N2 Cross-Border Committee and the A5 Enough is Enough Campaign came together in Lifford to demand long-overdue progress on the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC).

Councillors from Donegal, Monaghan, Derry and Strabane, Fermanagh and Omagh and Mid Ulster councils joined campaign advocates to reaffirm their shared commitment to improving road safety, economic connectivity and regional development along what they described as a “lifeline” route linking the North West with the rest of the island.

The meeting - held just weeks before the appeal of the High Court decision that stalled the project - underscored the united determination of local leaders to see that judgment overturned and the A5 project finally move forward.

Niall McKenna, Chairperson of the A5 Enough is Enough Campaign, gave the meeting a detailed presentation on the delays that have been experienced in the project since it was first approved in 2007 including some harrowing details of those that have lost their lives on the road since then.

He also informed members of the work of the A5 Enough is Enough group and their willingness to engage with all who share the common interest in progressing the A5 project.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said: “The momentum behind this campaign is as strong as ever and we will continue to lobby until the decision to stall the A5 project is reversed.

"Every day that goes by sees more lives placed at risk, and we will explore every avenue in our efforts to deliver this critical infrastructure for the region.

"The people of the North West have waited long enough.”

Chairperson of the committee, councillor Paul Canning, Donegal County Council, added: “This meeting demonstrates the strength and support for the project from all councils.

"The A5 is primarily a road safety project but it is also a vitally important lifeline for our people, businesses, and future prosperity of the entire region.”

The A5/N2 Cross Border Committee is made up of councillors from the five councils along the transport corridor - Mid Ulster District Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Monaghan County Council, Donegal County Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council.

Its purpose is to demonstrate and lobby for progress on the various projects along N2, A5 and Donegal TEN-T.

Among those in attendance was Strabane Sinn Féin councillor, Paul Boggs, who reiterated his party’s commitment to delivering the scheme.

"I restated my party’s determination to see the A5 built,” said councillor Boggs. "The A5 road has been the scene of heartbreak and tragedy far too often, leaving families across the island devastated.

“We must all rally behind the community and those who have lost loved ones and work together to deliver this road.

“Sinn Féin will continue working with campaigners, other parties and the Infrastructure Minister to ensure this vitally important project is finally delivered.”