Dublin may restore funding for A5 upgrade - McGuinness

The Irish Government has agreed to review its decision to withdraw £400 million funding for the A5 road expansion, Deputy First Minister has said.

Speaking in the Assembly today, the Sinn Fein representative said he believed progress could be made on the issue following a discussion at last week's North South Ministerial Council meeting. 

Mr McGuinness said: 'I was pleased to report to the Assembly today that the Taoiseach has agreed to review the decision to withdraw from the A5 project.

'We had a very constructive discussion at the NSMC and the Taoiseach gave a clear commitment to seek additional structural funds to restore their contribution to this essential North-South project. 

'I very much welcome that commitment because a restoration of the funds from Dublin will reignite this entire project.' 

Mr McGuinness concluded: 'At the same time, I am continuing to engage with the North's Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy to ensure the legal issues which have delayed the northern end of the project are expedited without delay.”