First Minister sayshe’s still behind A5despite setbacks

He made the comments after being asked by West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle to reiterate the Executive’s commitment on the floor of the Stormont Assembly.

Mr Robinson stated: “This is an Executive decision, and the Executive agreed to the project. We have had several setbacks, the first of which was when the Government of the Republic of Ireland decided that, because of their economic difficulties, they could not keep the commitment that they had given and, instead, reduced that commitment.”

The Minister went on to say that despite pledging to move forward with a reduced commitment the courts had knocked the project back on the basis that environmental work hadn’t been carried out.

“None of that reduces our commitment to the scheme,” he said. “Obviously, we await from the Minister for Regional Development information that leads us to expect another application.”

He added: “I hope that it will be submitted in a form that can withstand any challenge in the courts.

“The next small task will be for the Finance Ministers to find us the appropriate amount to carry out the scheme.”