Debate contribution: A5 Western Transport Corridor Scheme
Debate contribution by Miss Nicola Brogan on .
- MLA
- Miss Nicola Brogan
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 22 September 2025
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Opposition Business
- Heading
- A5 Western Transport Corridor Scheme
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5123455
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
I will speak in support of the A5 and of the amendment that my party colleagues and I have tabled. I am really disappointed by the original motion and the obvious political intent behind it. Anyone here with any real understanding of the devastation that the road has brought to so many families and communities across West Tyrone and across Ireland will know that it is a really serious issue. The A5 is not a political football to be kicked around for cheap political point-scoring. To be honest, if certain Members really wanted to see the road progress, they would get behind the Minister's efforts in the appeal and all the efforts that we are making to ensure that the road is progressed, instead of drafting hollow motions, such as the one we see before us. The A5 represents a £1·6 billion investment in a part of the country that has suffered from historical underinvestment and lack of critical infrastructure. By significantly reducing travel time to and from the capital, the A5 will open up the north-west for more investment, increased trade, faster commuting and more tourism; promote job creation and regional balance; and improve access to ports, airports and regional gateways. As I have said in here many times, however, the most important reason for having the A5 scheme is that it will save lives. As someone from Omagh, which is right at the heart of the A5, and having witnessed the devastation that the road has caused to our communities, I am passionate about the issue. I have spoken multiple times in the Chamber about the need for the A5 to be upgraded. Last week, I spoke of the 57 lives that had been lost on the road since 2006. It is important to remember that that is not just a number or a statistic but 57 grieving families, 57 groups of friends, 57 sets of neighbours and 57 communities that have been torn apart by the loss of each loved one. I again pay tribute to the families who have been bereaved as a result of collisions on the A5. They have shown great dignity, strength and patience throughout the entire process despite the obvious hurt and pain that they are carrying. I also thank Tyrone GAA's A5 — Enough Is Enough campaign group for its tireless work and for its steadfast commitment to ensuring that the road is delivered. It is important to remember that, with every objection and every delay and every time that the Assembly fails to get behind the Minister's efforts to push the project forward, more lives are put in danger. Minister Kimmins deserves recognition for her refusal to give up on the north-west and the A5. The appeal that she has lodged is further proof of her commitment to the project and of her determination to see it through. I also commend Minister Muir for his efforts in supporting the appeal and for demonstrating meaningful and tangible support for the project. Every effort has been made to ensure that the A5 western transport corridor scheme meets the most stringent requirements. All legitimate concerns have been heard, and every effort has been made to address them. I urge those who are leading the campaign of objection to the project to examine their conscience and ask themselves whether denying their family, friends and neighbours a major infrastructure, economic and safety investment is really the legacy that they want to leave. Enough time has been wasted and enough lives lost. Enough is enough. Let us work together to get the A5 built.
605 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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