SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has urged Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to give an update on work to progress the A5 upgrade.

Mr McCrossan was speaking after meeting with the Enough is Enough campaign at Stormont on Tuesday.

Campaigners also met with the Infrastructure Minister.

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said:

“It was fantastic to welcome the A5 Enough is Enough campaigners to Stormont on Tuesday. It’s not an overstatement to say that without their tireless efforts we would never have gotten this far, in the darkest moments of the fight to see the A5 delivered this group, many of them bereaved relatives, showed amazing strength and determination to drive this project on.

“I welcome their positive engagement with the Infrastructure Minister today and would urge the Minister to provide the Assembly with an update on the next steps for the A5. We are still waiting on the findings of the public inquiry and we have absolutely no time to lose if we are going to see work begin before the end of the year.

“I don’t need to repeat just how important the A5 upgrade is for everyone in this area, we are still seeing lives being lost on this road on a regular basis and I cannot tell you the impact that has, not just for those who lose a loved one, but for everyone in this area. Improved transport links would also make it easier to attract much needed jobs and investment, something this part of our island has been crying out for.

“Finishing this road upgrade will protect everyone who travels on the A5 and improve this area for the local community who lives here. The SDLP Opposition will keep pushing the Minister for more information and delivery at the first possible opportunity.”