Scottish Parliament A9 committee finds "piecemeal" process on dualling in latest evidence release
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A Holyrood committee says it is clear ministers knew for some time the 2025 dualling deadline would be missed.
As part of its inquiry into the A9 dualling project the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee has released evidence including written responses from previous Scottish Government ministers with responsibility for A9 dualling including former and current First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf.
These are in response to letters from the committee specifically asking what advice ministers received during their time in the transport or infrastructure portfolios on progress towards dualling.
They have also released written evidence from Transport Scotland.
The evidence includes "significant, previously unpublished" material.
Committee convener Jackson Carlaw thanked those who have provided statements but added: “The evidence we’ve received is stark, revealing a piecemeal process, with concerns raised repeatedly about spiralling costs and delays to completion.
“It’s evident that the Scottish Government have known for a considerable length of time that the 2025 deadline was in jeopardy, however it’s less clear what action ministers have taken to address this.
“We will review all of the evidence we’ve received at our next meeting, to consider our next steps, including if further evidence is required from Transport Scotland officials or previous transport ministers.
“In the meantime, with 2024 rapidly approaching, we eagerly anticipate the cabinet secretary’s promised update on the A9 Dualling Project to Parliament at the earliest opportunity.”
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