AQW 31201/17-22

Mr Cathal Boylan
Sinn Féin
Newry and Armagh

Tabled Date: 25/03/2022
Answered On Date: 27/03/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the A1 road safety improvement scheme.

Answer:

I am aware of how important the A1 improvements are for the many people who use this road on a regular basis, especially to all those who have lost loved ones. Good progress continues to be made on the scheme. The Statutory Orders have been made with the Direction Order and Stopping Up (of Private Accesses) Order coming into operation on 16 July 2021 and 24 June 2021, respectively. Work is also ongoing on the preparation of an economic appraisal for the scheme.

My Department has included the project within its capital bids for the 2022-25 Budget; however, the lack of an agreed Budget makes it difficult to indicate a timescale for delivery of the project. If funding to deliver the scheme is made available to my Department, it is anticipated it will take around one year for completion of the procurement process with construction work taking a further two to three years.

I am committed to the delivery of this project due to its important road safety benefits as well as its strategic importance as an economic corridor.