SDLP: OUR A5 MUST BE DELIVERED

SDLP Election candidate for the Derg DEA, Jim McIntyre has this week called on the Minister for Regional Development and the N.Ireland Executive to reaffirm their commitment to the building of the A5 Roads Project, as an urgent priority. 

Mr McIntyre said, "I would like to reiterate the importance of the delivery of the A5 infrastructure project to an area like Strabane and Omagh and indeed the entire Northwest.  It is noteworthy to point out that subsequent to the St Andrews Agreement this major flagship peace dividend project was earmarked as a national primary route for joint Government support and action."

"The people of wider Strabane district and those from Donegal, Derry and the wider West Tyrone constituency considered this project as evidence of a firm commitment to peace and moving forward from our difficult and divisive past. It is therefore extremely disappointing that the Executive seems to have lost sight on previous commitment to what is an essential project and one which potentially could ignite a prosperity process to an abandoned Strabane people."

"Joe Byrne MLA and our growing West Tyrone SDLP team are dedicated entirely to the delivery of the A5 transfer corridor, and the many benefits it will bring to the people of the Northwest. Not only will this project deliver major economic benefits and opportunities, it is also important in terms of safety. I know personally of many families who have sadly lost loved ones on this road over the years, such a difficult loss can never be measured, especially when it's a mother and father losing a son or daughter. I fully believe that the construction of the new A5 road would greatly improve safety for drivers and reduce the fatalities suffered on our roads."

"As a Strabane native speaking on behalf of the Strabane people, we are not prepared to suffer any further disappointment from Government, especially on this project which was promised on the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. I see this project as the greatest opportunity to bring the North West of Ireland to an equal footing in terms of economic investment, with the rest of the province. The people of Strabane are now of the firm belief that we and other towns in the North West have been discriminated against in terms of investment since partition, at the next election the people of Strabane must take a firm stand and end this trend of neglect, vote for a party who will fight for you!"

"The SDLP will continue to lobby the Executive to deliver this vital project, a project which is essential for the betterment of our lives, to save lives and to open the links across this island which in turn will help provide a brighter future for our children and grandchildren here at home."

"The one beacon of light in an ever darkening future must not be extinguished by the dark arts of Government. Take a stand with the SDLP at the next election, it is time for delivery!"