Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce gas joined other chambers in expressing their frustration at the delay of the A5 road network.
Letterkenny Chamber Chief Executive Toni Forrester
Toni Forrester CEO, Letterkenny Chamber said the chamber had backed and worked towards the new road for many years.
“This is a strategically important route for attracting investment and for businesses located in this region and we have met many hurdles along the way, not least the decision by the Irish Government to delay their investment.
“Much money has already been spent on the route to date and while up to now we were assured that progress would be made this latest decision has come as a further blow. We are now more concerned than ever that it will be stopped indefinitely despite assurances from the Minister.”
The latest decision by the courts prompted a meeting with the Chambers Of Commerce in the region and Declan Hughes, speaking on behalf of the Chambers of Commerce locally has outlined the organisations’ “frustration” at the Department for Regional Development’s decision not to appeal the judges ruling on the A5.
“The Chambers of Commerce from Derry, Omagh, Strabane, Ballybofey, Letterkenny and Derry have come together to express their disappointment and frustration that the A5 project has been delayed.
“We understand that the Rivers Foyle and Finn are special areas of conservation and would call on department to ensure that the necessary assessment is a priority focus, so that the delay is kept to an absolute minimum.
“The benefit and impact of a completed A5 to the economy would be significant, not only in terms of construction, but also for internal and external investment. Most importantly we seek an assurance from the Executive on their continued commitment to the A5 project and that the full £330m will be reallocated to the scheme when it clears the existing legal hurdles.