The mother a young Co Tyrone man who died in a car crash on the A5 road between Strabane and Ballygawley in Northern Ireland almost three years ago, has welcomed the news that the Stormont Executive is to proceed with long awaited improvements along the route.
Nathan Corrigan was killed four days before his 21st birthday on 27 December 2021 at Garvaghey, Co Tyrone on the A5 between Omagh and Aughnacloy, about 100 yards from his home.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Kate Corrigan said that while the news was "bitter sweet for us as a family", they were relieved that at long last the Stormont Executive was now totally committed to the upgrade plans.
More than 50 people have died on the A5 since it was first proposed for an upgrade in 2007. It is one of the most dangerous roads on the island.
Work will begin next year to upgrade the road, running from the border at Aughnacloy to a dual carriageway.
The project is being supported by the Irish Government to the tune of €600 million.
Two other young men - Peter Finnegan and Peter McNamee - were also killed in the crash.
"Our hope now is that no other family will have to endure the suffering, heartache and pain we've faced since Nathan lost his life," Ms Corrigan said.
"We're delighted the road will finally now go ahead. What we need now is a definitive timeframe for the works to start.
"We don't want any more delays, but we're definitely heartened by the announcement from the Stormont Executive.
Ms Corrigan said she has lived in the Garvaghey area all her life and she has seen a significant increase in the volume of traffic using the road.
"At every hour of the day and night there is nothing but the loud sound of vehicles travelling along the road."
Since 2007, 52 people have been killed along a 54 kilometer stretch of this road, between Strabane and Ballygawley.
