The National Roads Authority made a presentation to the Good Friday Agreement Implementation Committee in Leinster House to discuss the development of cross border roads.

At the meeting, Pat Doherty MP for West Tyrone raised the need to expedite the development of the A5.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Doherty said: "The north west has been particularly hard hit with the recession, job losses and emigration. There is a need for significant investment to tackle disadvantage and enhance the competitiveness of the region. Businesses need support and our people need jobs. Central to economic development is the A5.

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"There is a need for the authorities in the north and south to work closer together to ensure the planning process and preparations of contacts are developed to ensure that the work can be completed as soon as finance is available."

(CD/JP)