A5 cost could spiral says SDLP's McCrossan

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan says he fears the cost of developing the A5 could spiral to £1 billion pounds.

That's after it was revealed that the project is currently estimated to cost £870 million.

The SDLP assemblyman believes that if the development faces excessive delays then the Executive may struggle to fund the plan.

The information was divulged as part of a written answer supplied by Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard.

"In response to my written question the Minister for Infrastructure has said that the construction cost of the A5 Western Transport Corridor Scheme will total £870m between now and 2023," Mr. McCrossan said.

"It is my concern that, following various delays and legal challenges, that the bill for the A5 is quickly spiralling towards £1 Billion yet the current Minister, and the Executive, do not know where that money will come from," he added.

The Strabane-based MLA believes the development of the West hinges on the success of the project.

"I want to see the project fully delivered as the people of the West deserve better than the position we are in now, which is a direct result of the incompetence of successive Roads Ministers, including Sinn Féin and the DUP," the West Tyrone MLA said.

"Day after day, the need for the A5 is highlighted through the lack of investment West of the Bann. The A5 upgrade will save lives. Far too often we hear of deaths on the road, and rarely a week goes by when there is not an accident.

“The SDLP will continue to push for the full completion of the A5 Western Transport Corridor Scheme. The Minister must ensure that there are no further delays or mishaps to ensure that the costs do not continue to escalate," he added.