Taoiseach reaffirms commitment to A5 dualling project

By Richard O'Reilly

Leo Varadkar says he's determined to see upgrades to the A5 road secured

The Taoiseach was speaking in Belfast on Friday as part of his first official visit to Northern Ireland.

The dualling project has been bogged down by planning and environmental issues over the past few years.

I welcome An Taoiseach's restated commitment to A5. Road to opportunity for north West of Ireland. Crucial priority for SF and our people.

— Barry McElduff MP (@BarryMcElduff) August 4, 2017

However, responing to a question by West Tyrone MP Barry McElduff, the Irish PM said his comittment to redressing the infrastructure deficit in the North West has never wavered.

"One of the first meetings I went to as Minister for Transport,Tourism and Sport in 2011/2012 was at a time we were slashing budgets" said Varadkar " It was a meeting with [then Finance Minister] Sammy Wilson, he convinced us even at a time of austerity to set aside finance for the A5."

Leo Varadkar told the audience at Queens University, despite planning issues surround the A5, he was committed to making the project a reality.

"I'm absolutely determined to see that road built" said the Taoiseach "It's not just important for Tyrone, It's very important for Donegal, which has historically been cut off and has not had the opportunity to share in the prosperity experienced in the east of the country."