All Ireland Meeting Drives A5 Project

The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are in Dublin today and are expected to discuss aspects of an 'all-island road network', including the proposed - now controversal - £800m A5 dual carriageway linking Londonderry and Aughnacloy.

The Irish government has already pledged £400m towards the project ahead of an official NI inquiry into the contentious route.

Today, the Irish Republic's Taoiseach Enda Kenny will chair a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Farmleigh House, Dublin, with the issue thought to be high on the agenda.

The Taoiseach is leading the Irish Government delegation who are meeting collectively for the first time with the new Northern Ireland Executive following the Assembly elections.

Last month, the future of the major cross-border road project seemed in doubt after the new Stormont Regional Development Minister, Ulster Unionist (UUP), Danny Kennedy said he would 'look again' at plans for the western corridor development.

"I will be looking closely at the level of proposed investment on roads such as the A5," said the newly appointed Stormont Executive member.

He said that his emphasis would be on backing sustainable transport and improved road and water infrastructure to support economic growth and social wellbeing.

The UUP Minister has taken a much more guarded view on the A5 than his Sinn Fein predecessor, Conor Murphy, who - despite ordering an inquiry - was fully committed to the high-budget construction project.

UUP Leader Tom Elliot is on record as saying that while the prospect of an upgrade was welcome, that would not be at any cost.

Mr McGuinness and Mr Robinson are also expected to make a courtesy call on the Irish President, north Belfast reared, Mary McAleese

Innovation

Speaking in advance of the meeting the Taoiseach said: "I look forward to meeting with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and the members of the newly-elected Northern Ireland Executive.

"The new Government is committed to actively working and supporting all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and to building on the enormous progress of recent years," he said.

"We believe that there are many practical and innovative ways in which North/South co-operation can help to aid economic recovery and to bring about better value for money and improved public services for everyone on the island of Ireland.

"I am looking forward to a wide-ranging discussion and to building a positive and constructive relationship between our two newly-elected administrations," Mr Kenny said.

See: Politicians 'Not On One Road' Over A5

(BMcC)