Renewed appeals for Dundalk-Sligo route
Transport Minister Shane Ross is set to visit the border area following renewed appeals for the Dundalk to Sligo route to be ‘put back on the agenda.’
Speaking in the Dail last week, Minister Ross said he recognised there was ‘considerable pent up demand for road improvement projects on regional and local roads.’
One such project was the east-west Dundalk to Sligo link, he added.
The Department has provided funding this year to allow the appraisal to be updated. The Government is committed to cross-Border roads and development in this regard but there are one or two problems arising in this regard.’
The A5 upgrade in the north was a significant issue, said the Minister. ‘ The Stormont House Agreement, A Fresh Start, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to provide funding of €50 million for the A5 project and committed an additional €25 million to ensure that phase 1 of the project can commence as soon as the necessary planning issues are resolved by the Northern Ireland authorities. The Government will be contributing €75 million towards the estimated €163 million cost of phase 1A if the current legal challenge to the scheme is successfully defended. The construction of phase 1A will take about two and a half years to complete.’
The Minister added: ‘I am conscious of the fact that the Border area is awaiting Brexit with trepidation in terms not only of the roads but industries including the agrifood industry and other areas.’ He acknowledged it would be beneficial if he visited the border area, but warned however of ‘incredible demands upon the public purse for these roads.’
‘I do believe the border area has made its case for priority attention, by which I do not mean preference over any other area. It is important it is not forgotten particularly because of the danger of a hard border, which could have a devastating affect not only on the roads but on industries and people in the area. I am conscious that we are speaking about an area where a devaluation has already had an effect.’