NI's top political team have today travelled south today to confront the leaders of the Irish Republic on yesterday's news that a multi-million cross border road project would have to be shelved after the Dáil government performed a U-turn on funding.

First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are to use the pre-arranged international meeting to discuss the A5 'roadblock' with the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

The Stormont Executive has already expressed its disappointment at the decision by the Irish Government to withdraw funding from the A5 road scheme for the next budget period.

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In a statement following Thursday's Executive meeting, where there was a detailed discussion on the issue, DUP Leader, Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness united and said: "The Executive remains committed to the project and we also note that the Irish Government has committed itself to delivering it on a longer timescale.

"We will therefore be meeting the Taoiseach to achieve maximum clarity on this issue."

It follows the Irish government's decision to withdraw funding for a major road upgrade in Northern Ireland.

It was to have provided £400m towards the cost of the A5 Londonderry to Aughnacloy road upgrade.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness said they were meeting the Taoiseach Enda Kenny "to achieve maximum clarity on this issue".

(BMcC/GK)