A new campaign group, which is seeking action for the long awaited A5 upgrade, will launch later this month. Monday January 23, 2023 will see the launch of a
The campaign group, known as ‘A5 Enough is Enough’ has been established by the GAA in County Tyrone after the tragic deaths of a total of eight people in less than a year, four of which had been young players within the sport.
John Rafferty, a revered 21-year-old player from Killyclogher, was tragically killed last October in a crash on the road between Ballygawley and Omagh. John’s untimely passing was the catalyst for change, spurring the formation of the committee.
The year preceding John’s passing had seen three young GAA members, Petey McNamee, Nathan Corrigan and Peter Finnegan, who were all aged in their twenties, sadly killed in an A5 crash at Garvaghey.
Plans for a new dual carriageway were first announced in 2007. The road, which stretches some 50 miles between Newbuildings and Aughnacloy, has seen estimated costs for its redevelopment spiral beyond £1.6 billion. However, the project has been set back by a series of legal challenges and, has so far, been halted.
In an open invitation to the public, Tyrone GAA said: “An open invitation is extended to all members of the public to attend the launch of the ‘A5 Enough is Enough’ campaign supported by Tyrone GAA.
“The ‘A5 Enough is Enough’ group was formed in the aftermath of the untimely passing of many victims of the A5 including John Rafferty from Killyclogher. John was the 8th victim of a road traffic accident on the A5 since Christmas 2021.
“The A5 Enough is Enough group have four aims: To support the actions required to bring about an end to a process that is now fifteen and a half years long.
“To positively promote the need to begin work on the new A5 as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, to seek immediate mitigating road improvements that might start saving lives now.
“To share road safety messaging and educate people on the danger of driving on this road.
“This is an important event and we would really appreciate your support in attending the launch. Many of us are regular users of this dangerous road and we are keen to demonstrate that there is a positive body of support for the commencement and completion of the new A5 as soon as possible.”
A total of 44 people have lost their lives on this stretch of road since the project was first announced.
Those who are interested in attending the meeting on Monday, January 23 can email a5@tyronegaacentre.com to confirm your attendance. All are welcome.
Read more: Demand for action on treacherous A5 following deaths of three young men
