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Work could begin on long-awaited A5 dual carriageway next year

Construction of the new dual carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy could begin late next year
Construction of the new dual carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy could begin late next year Construction of the new dual carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy could begin late next year

THE construction of a new dual carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy could begin late next year, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has said.

The building work was due to commence several years ago.

The most recent obstacle, a court ruling effectively meaning civil servants could not take major decisions in the absence of ministers, was addressed by legislation aimed at unblocking the logjam created by the collapse of Stormont power-sharing.

But a DfI spokesman yesterday said: "The A5 remains a very high priority for the department and it will now move immediately to carry out the necessary work to enable a fresh decision on the project to be taken during 2019".

It confirmed construction work could begin in late 2019, subject to legal considerations and any further issues arising.

Parliament has passed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018, giving civil servants powers to take major decisions in the absence of ministers.

John Armstrong of Construction Employers Federation said the department moved speedily.

"As this decision is, ultimately, tied to the passing of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act and its associated guidance, it is now critical that all government departments follow the lead of the Department for Infrastructure by seeking to utilise the powers of the new legislation to bring forward a range of capital works, both public and private sector, which are currently unable to progress for a variety of reasons," he said.

"It is also critical that we see consistency in application of the Act and its associated guidance by all government departments as it must, in the continued absence of ministers, be the means by which greater certainty can be applied to all levels of public sector construction works."

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley said the "groundbreaking" project would improve connectivity across the north-west and with Dublin.

"Recent fatalities on the A5 have once again reflected the need for enhanced infrastructure to improve road safety on one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland," she said.

"Sinn Féin are committed to the achieving social development and the economic regeneration of the north-west and the A5 is key to delivering this."

SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said it was "reprehensible that this critical piece of infrastructure has still not been delivered" already.

"This scheme has generated widespread support from the public and businesses alike," he said.

"There can be no more kicking the can down the road.

"I am glad the department have listened to my calls to progress the scheme under new civil servant powers. I hope this is done immediately and a consultation process is now imminent."