The Department of Infrastructure has pledged its commitment to progress the A5 road project over the next few weeks during a meeting with Sinn Féin.

The £150 million scheme aims to create a new 85km road running from New Buildings, via Strabane, Newtownstewart, Omagh and Ballygawley and terminating near the border at Aughnacloy.

Construction stalled on the project earlier this year after judicial proceedings were launched by umbrella opposition group the Alternative A5 Alliance.

A High Court hearing was later held where senior Counsel for the DfI requested its decision to continue the scheme to be quashed.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley and party colleague Catherine Kelly MLA were given assurances in a meeting yesterday, 28 November, that the DfI remain committed to the project.

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Órfhlaith Begley said: "We reiterated the mood of the public who are beyond frustrated that this small group of individuals are seeking to delay the implementation of this ground breaking piece of infrastructure.

"The Department reassured us that they are committed to this project and that they will be taking steps within the next few weeks to progress it forward.

"The recent fatalities on the A5 have once again reflected the need for enhanced infrastructure to improve road safety on one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland.

"We will not allow the AA5A to prohibit the delivery of this strategic project which will improve connectivity to the North West bringing economic prosperity to this area and more importantly saving lives."

Catherine Kelly MLA added: "The A5 is key to the social development and the economic regeneration of West Tyrone. 

"This project is too vital to allow a faceless group of individuals to stand in the way of the wider community interest which wish to see the implementation of the A5.

"Sinn Féin will continue to work in the public interest to see the delivery of this project."

(CM/MH)