'Too many people have died' - The A5 must be delivered ahead of judgment day October 6, says SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan

Mr McCrossan said the continued delays to the project have had serious consequences for road safety, public confidence and the economic future of the West.

Daniel McCrossan MLA said: "Tuesday will be another hugely significant day in the long and frustrating history of the A5. I remain resolutely optimistic and absolutely determined to see this road delivered.

"For me, this has always been about one thing above everything else, saving lives. Too many people have died. Too many families have been left devastated. Every further delay carries a human cost that simply cannot be ignored.

"But there is also a serious question of political responsibility here.

"The continued failure to deliver this road, alongside its rising cost, is symptomatic of what I believe has been the incompetence and dysfunction of the Sinn Féin/DUP-led Executive.

"After all these years, people are entitled to ask how one of the most important infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland has been allowed to become trapped in repeated delay and uncertainty.

"The A5 is also fundamental to the economic future of the West.

"We need modern infrastructure to attract investment, create jobs, improve connectivity and open up this part of the island to greater opportunity. It remains a key priority for the SDLP, and we will continue to push for its delivery.

"The Department has been given another opportunity to get this right.

"Let’s hope they have done their job properly this time. The cost of another failure is simply too high for our families, our communities, our economy and our future.

"The people of the West have waited long enough. Enough delay. The A5 must be delivered."