The A5 major road scheme has been identified as an urgent priority during a recent government meeting.

Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O'Neill met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar when she raised the issue of the A5 project.

Michelle O'Neill MLA said: "The Executive and the Irish government agreed back in 2007 to upgrade the entire A5 to dual carriageway from Aughnacloy, via Omagh and Strabane, to Derry.

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"All statutory processes were undertaken by then Sinn Féin Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy at that time who in fact awarded contracts with construction to start in 2012.

"The Irish government then paused its £400m financial offer, which was later reduced to £80m."

She added: "The scheme has been beset by several legal challenges since, and public inquiries.

"We have sadly seen fatalities on this very long stretch of road and families left completely devastated. This needs to be confronted and the scheme delivered to save lives.

"It is imperative that both the Irish government and the Executive, when re-established, remain fully committed to delivering and financing this critical infrastructure project, and that legal challenges are overcome."