A5 ROUTE FINALLY PROGRESSES, BUT NO MOVEMENT ON N2 IN COUNTY MONAGHAN – CARTHY

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has welcomed the announcement of Stormont Minister, John O’Dowd, that works will commence on the A5 road upgrade in County Tyrone. This development will be of huge benefit to Monaghan drivers who have reason to travel to the North West. It will also be important for the economic development of County Monaghan, improving connectivity to the north and placing this county as a gateway destination for investment and job creation. However, he said, the benefits will be curtailed by the failure of Fianna Fáil/ Fine Gael/ Green party to progress the N2 road network during their term in government.

Teachta Carthy said: “The A5 Road upgrade has been plagued with delays resulting from legal challenges, planning setbacks and financial constraints. “The N2 Road schemes had none of those issues, yet the Dublin government did not progress these projects throughout its entire term of government. “On Wednesday, Sinn Féin infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd, announced that works will begin on the first phase of the A5 upgrade. This will involve 55 kilometres of a new dual carriageway from Ballygawley to Strabane. “This is hugely welcome. This stretch of road is among the most dangerous in Ireland. It will be hugely beneficial to Monaghan drivers who travel to the North West on a regular basis. “Crucially, it will improve Monaghan’s attractiveness as an economic destination. We are a little over an hours drive from both Dublin and Belfast. The full…