SINN Féin representatives across Ireland are urging the Irish Government to help offset the latest delays to the A5 Derry to Dublin road link by part-funding City of Derry Airport.
Foyle MLA Martina Anderson and Donegal TD Padraig MacLochlainn TD made the appeal in the wake of the latest A5 delay confirmed by SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
Martina Anderson said: “The airport provides vital connectivity for the entire northwest of the island, particularly in the absence of adequate road or rail infrastructure.
“Sinn Féin Executive ministers have worked hard to protect the airport through the pandemic, allocating £1.2 million as well as rate relief to help secure jobs and livelihoods.
“In light of the new delays to the A5 road upgrade, the north’s Department for the Economy must now work with the Southern government to provide additional funding support for the airport’s operational costs to ensure its sustainability and to maintain our region’s connectivity.’
added: “As we begin to address the economic legacy of Brexit and Covid-19, the government must urgently advance North South Ministerial Council discussions to re-establish the Derry-Dublin air route, as envisaged in the New Decade New Approach agreement.
“Sinn Féin will continue to lobby the government to progress this issue, and ensure it is raised with ministers the length and breadth of this island.”
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