AQW 272/22-27

Mr Tom Buchanan
Democratic Unionist Party
West Tyrone

Tabled Date: 20/05/2022
Answered On Date: 30/05/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the proposed A5 Western Transport Corridor.

Answer:

I am committed to doing all that I can during my time as Minister for Infrastructure to advance this vitally important flagship project.

The consultation period on the recently published Environmental Statement Addendum and associated documentation concluded on 6 May 2022, with the Department receiving over 200 written representations.

Discussions are ongoing with the PAC and it is hoped that the public inquiry can be reconvened in the autumn of this year. Receipt of the PAC’s final report from the inquiry process should then allow a new formal decision on progression of the scheme during 2023. Subject to this decision and successful completion of the necessary statutory processes and environmental assessments, the construction of phase 1A (New Buildings to North of Strabane) could then commence.