A5 motorway is not needed according to UUP Assembly member

An Ulster Unionist Assembly Member has expressed his doubts that the Irish Government will be able to come up with its funding for the upgrade of the A5 Derry to Aughnacloy road.
Tom Elliott has also expressed the view that the traffic levels on the road do not justify it being upgraded to dual carraigeway status.
Tom Elliott said he had serious concerns over the funding of the 88km road upgrade stating that the A5 undoubtedly needs huge improvements but the traffic levels simply do not justify a motorway.
Mr Elliot said that given strong views over the impact the road will have on the countryside, and many farmers will have their farms decimated, an upgrade would be sufficient.
He also question whether the Irish government would have the 580 million euro it has committed to the road.
This after Transport Minister Noel Dempsey ordered the NRA to “reprioritise” 123 roads projects as a result of the funding cuts, including everything from motorways to town bypasses.
Following on from Mr Elliot’s comments a Irish government spokesperson said the situation is that the government remains committed to this contribution despite the difficult economic situation.