Troubled A5 project ‘will need more consultation’
INFRASTRUCTURE Minister Nichola Mallon reaffirmed her commitment to a major road project in Northern Ireland as she confirmed the long-delayed A5 Western Transport Corridor will need further public consultation to ensure it progresses.
The scheme to transform the road between Aughnacloy to Londonderry into a dual carriageway would be the single largest road scheme here, and part of a major cross-border road project to improve links between Dublin and Derry.
The scheme has been estimated to cost £650m to £850m. But it faced a major funding setback in November 2011, when the Irish Government withdrew most of its £400m funding. However, £75m was later recommitted by Dublin after the Fresh Start Agreement.
In October last year, the Irish Government pledged €500m towards cross-border infrastructure projects such as the A5.
Legal challenges have also beset the project, with a decision to proceed quashed by the High Court in 2013 after a bid from landowners and businesspeople.
Construction was due to start on a stretch of the road from Newbuildings to Strabane but had to be put on hold after another legal challenge from the same quarter.
Ms Mallon yesterday published the report on the proceedings of the inquiry from the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) into the scheme, which found the scheme would have “large adverse effects” on the environment, communities, and wildlife.
She said: “I know this project has been long awaited and I am determined as Minister to see it progress through the statutory process as quickly as possible, ensuring the project is delivered properly for citizens and our wider environment.”
Commenting on the Interim PAC report, the Minister added: “I have accepted the Commissioner’s key recommendation regarding the preparation of and consultation on further documents on the important topics of flood risk and the consideration of alternatives to the proposed scheme.
“As such, I have asked officials to prepare a further addendum to the Environmental Statement (ESA) for consultation in early autumn”.
West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley added: “There is shock and massive disappointment throughout the community that the Minister has announced a fresh public inquiry into the A5 upgrade.
“Given that a full year has passed since the completion of the last limited public inquiry and given that it was widely expected that the Minister would finally announce a decision to proceed with Phase 1 of the project this decision leaves us further back than ever.”