TYRONE GAA chiefs have joined calls for the long-overdue upgrade of the A5 to be made a priority.
In the wake of last month's triple tragedy, a letter has been sent to Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and signed by county chairman Michael Kerr and secretary Dominic McCaughey.
It calls for the prioritisation of the much-delayed scheme to improve safety on a treacherous stretch between Ballygawley and Omagh.
Nathan Corrigan and Petey McNamee, who were killed alongside Peter Finnegan, were both past youth members of Beragh Red Knights GAA.
Read More: Mother of young man killed in A5 triple tragedy calls for urgent action (premium)
Mr Corrigan's brother Callum is a senior player while his father Damian is on the club's executive committee.
In their letter, the county officials reminded Ms Mallon that the upgrade has been under consideration for a decade and a half.
"While the circumstances associated with, and the causes of, this particular terrible traffic accident remain to be investigated and established, the dangers associated with the present A5 road are, and have been, well documented by the relevant authorities, and are well known by all of its users," they wrote.
"It is not an acceptable situation to continue to not make improvements or undertake any upgrading of this busy main road while members of our community, members of our GAA clubs in Tyrone, road users travelling through rural Tyrone, continue to die or suffer serious injuries."
They added that bereaved families and communities had paid a huge price over the previous 15 years, and could not accept further public inquiries and more planning appeals.
"We would ask that you, as infrastructure minister, use your important office to take the appropriate, relevant and immediate action that is so necessary to prevent further deaths and injuries taking place on the A5 road," they said.
