West Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has called on the Department of Regional Development to make the completion of the new A5 Western Transport Corridor a priority following a tragic start to New Year.

Mr Byrne said: "It is unfortunate that last year we lost a number of lives on this road and that in 2014 we have had to start the New Year with further carnage and loss of life on the current sub-standard A5. The SDLP in West Tyrone have been fully committed to delivering the A5 for the people of the North West. I have personally been lobbying for this road since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

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"Unfortunately the Minister and his Department are constantly blocking the roads completion, hiding behind legal red tape. These excuses are wearing very thin. I fully believe that the construction of the new A5 road would greatly improve safety for drivers and reduce fatalities suffered on our roads following 56 fatalities across the North in 2013.

"The new A5 would bring a raft of advantages to the North West. Not only in terms of safety but also economic advantages. Areas like Strabane have been constantly disadvantaged due to poor infrastructure. This ultimately puts off potential investors and any potential jobs prospect. I see the New A5 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."

(CD)