SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has launched a petition urging people to show their support for work on the new A5 road.
Mr McCrossan launched the petition after objectors the ‘Alternative A5 Alliance’ claimed they had support for blocking the plans.
He called on people to show their support for the project that would save lives and benefit the entire community.
West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:
“The A5 is the most dangerous road on this island. Since 2006, 42 people have lost their lives on this road, since December four young men have died.
“I don’t want to see anyone else lose their lives on this road, improvement works must progress, the political will is there, the funding is there and SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon’s department stands ready, but we are constantly being held up by the legal objections of the ‘Alternative A5 Alliance’, (AA5A) a group of anonymous people who seem intent on thwarting this vital work for their own reasons.
“I am calling on people right across the North to come together with me and send these objectors a message. We want this work to commence as soon as possible and we don’t want to see any further delay. If these people have genuine concerns they should come out of hiding and we will do everything we can to address them. They owe this community an explanation for their intransigence.
“The A5 would also bring significant economic benefits to an area that’s crying out for jobs and investment. It would massively increase connectivity to both Belfast and to Dublin. It will connect the North West and West of the province to the rest of this island which will be of significant benefit.
“Since becoming MLA for West Tyrone, a key priority of mine is the delivery of the A5. That has been blocked by protracted legal cases by the AA5A. We need to come together and send a message with one voice, this work is long overdue and will save lives and change lives in our community. I’m asking you to back my petition and show that people want this work to begin immediately.”
Mr McCrossan's petition is online at https://www.sdlp.ie/deliver_the_a5