NO MORE EXCUSES - WE WANT ACTION ON THE PEOPLES A5 - LEONARD

SDLP Sperrin Representative Patrick Leonard addressed the SDLP conference last week and demanded that his party make the A5 a priority at the Executive table. 

Conference reaffirms its support for the proposed A5 dual carriageway that will bring a much needed economic boost to employment black spots in the North West such as Strabane and Derry. The A5 will also vastly improve the safety for commuters and help lower the number of fatal collisions on our roads. Furthermore conference calls on all our elected representatives to actively seek assurances from the Executive of their commitment to the completion of this project.

Mr Leonard had this to say:

"I would like to reiterate the importance of the delivery of this 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 my Home town of Strabane 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 and our growing West Tyrone 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.  Such tragic loss is devastating for any family to endure. 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 native of the Northwest 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, I say to conference, this MUST happen NO MORE end this trend of neglect."

"I urge our party 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."