Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East, Joe McHugh, has called on Sinn Féin to step up and ensure that the A5 carriageway project is top of the Northern Ireland Executive's agenda.

Deputy McHugh was speaking after receiving confirmation from the Minister for Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, that the Irish Government's commitment of £50 million to the project holds firm.

Mr McHugh said: "At the meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, reaffirmed the Irish Government's commitment of £50 million funding to the A5 project to be spent in 2015/16. Minister Varadkar also reaffirmed the Irish government's hope that the project will be delivered upon as quickly as possible.

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"The A5 carriageway is at a crucial stage of its development following the High Court’s decision to uphold an objection to the project relating to the Habitats Directive, and the North’s Minister for Regional Development's decision to not appeal that outcome.

"I am calling on Sinn Féin to take action and get involved in ensuring that this project goes to the top of the agenda of the Northern Ireland Executive, of which it is a major party in Government. The A5 carriageway is critically important for the northwest and it is vital that this project is not put on the back burner."

(CD/H)