Fianna Fail Senator Niall Blaney has called on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to upgrade the A5 Road in Tyrone following a series of further tragedies.
Senator Blaney wrote to the PM this week to address the loss of three more lives on this road last weekend, the third trio in 16 months.
A total of 47 people lost their lives since the initial announcement to have the route upgraded. The proposed upgrade was as a result of peace negotiations between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair to develop a new multi-million pound A5 dual carriageway. Senator Blaney has been fighting for this road upgrade since the year 2000.
He said: “The A5 acts as the main artery from Dublin to Derry and Donegal. Derry is the 5th largest city on the island of Ireland and Donegal, Derry and Tyrone all have established regional city status. This roadway services in excess of 250,000 people.
“This route is grossly outdated and with many treacherous black spots which combined, is holding back the development of the whole Northwest region.”
“The failed political efforts must be acknowledged” according to Senator Blaney. “Stormont has failed to deliver on this project and the continued stop-start cycle of the assembly has resulted in this project jumping from one hearing to the next. Here we are 16 years later and still no conclusion to the project.”
“We cannot afford any more deaths on this route or any more pain and suffering of families and communities.“
Senator Blaney is imploring the UK government to act and grant planning permission for the A5 project and to give clearance to commence construction immediately.
