Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has criticised the decision to divert funding from the A5 dual carriageway in light of the overspend at the National Children’s Hospital.

Deputy Smith commented “The A5 dual carriageway is a vital piece of infrastructure for my constituents in Cavan/Monaghan and those living in border communities. I have repeatedly  stressed the importance of this transport link at meetings of the Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

“The economic benefits for the border region are there for all to see. Due to a lack of rail services we are limited on transport options and are totally reliant on an inadequate road network, which is in urgent needed of an upgrade. Cavan and Monaghan, and neighbouring counties north of the border, are home to a number of major engineering and agricultural companies – all of which need proper roads infrastructure to move their products out of their bases. 

“I have consistently highlighted to Minister Ross and the Government through parliamentary questions and in debates in Dáil Éireann the need to invest heavily in infrastructure in the border region because of the particular difficulties that will arise for the local economy due to Brexit. The Minister must clarify the status of this project. People in Monaghan, Tyrone, Derry, and Donegal have already waited too long for this significant and essential road upgrade, “concluded Deputy Smith.