Infrastructure Minister reassures council representatives of her commitment to A5

A DELEGATION comprising of representatives from councils along the proposed A5 Western Transport Corridor route have met with the Infrastructure Minister in a united action in support of the scheme.

The 'constructive' meeting held with Liz Kimmins in Belfast saw a unified commitment to the project’s delivery, emphasising its critical importance for the entire region.

The delegation included representatives from Derry City and Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Mid Ulster District Council and Monaghan County Council.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, councillor Ruairí McHugh, said he reaffirmed the council’s strong support for the project.

While fully backing the Minister’s appeal against the recent High Court judgement that has temporarily halted the project, the Mayor said members of the delegation highlighted to the Minister that urgent progress was needed to ensure delivery of this vital infrastructure.

"The A5 Western Transport Corridor is not merely about upgrading a road, it is about saving lives, fostering economic prosperity, and connecting our communities more effectively," he added.

"I welcome the collaborative effort and the united support from the councils sends a strong and clear message that we all stand together with our cross-border partners to ensure the A5 is delivered.

"This project is a key artery for our entire North West region, and its completion is essential for our future.

"We will continue to support the Minister in her efforts to resolve the current legal challenges.”

He added: "Derry City and Strabane District Council remains steadfastly committed to this project.

"We will continue to work collaboratively with our neighbouring Councils to ensure that this vital infrastructure is built for the benefit of everyone in our community and beyond.”

The NI Executive's decision to proceed with the road was quashed by a judge on the basis that in its current form, the Department for Infrastructure's (DfI) plans did not comply with climate change targets.

The judicial review proceedings were brought forward by the Alternative A5 Alliance (AA5A), a group of residents, landowners and farmers, who are opposed to the new road contending it would breach legislative targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Minister had previously confirmed her intention to appeal the decision, with the hearing now listed for December 9, 10 and 11.

Speaking after the meeting with the councils, Liz Kimmins said: “I remain absolutely committed to the progression of the flagship A5 Western Transport Corridor project.

“I welcome the continuing support from local government representatives and was pleased to meet with a number of them.

"I am fully aware that the people living in those council areas are among those who have been most profoundly impacted by the ongoing delays to the A5 project.

"I reassured them that my department is working extremely hard to submit a robust appeal to the court."

She added: "While the A5 has huge strategic importance with the potential to tackle regional imbalance, improve the economy and connect communities, it is above all about saving lives.

"My thoughts are always with the families who are living with the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one and with those who are living with injuries as a result of collisions along the road.

"That is at the forefront of my mind in everything that I do and will continue to drive me to get the road built.

“It is important that everyone who wants to see this happen works together in a constructive way to achieve that.”

Judge McAlinden's decision on June 23 is the latest in a series of setbacks for the road on which more than 50 people have died since 2006.

First announced in 2007, the 58-mile (94km) £1.7bn project has been beset by delays, including issues over funding and previous legal challenges.

Last October, the then Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd, announced his intention to proceed with construction of the first stretch, south of Strabane to Ballygawley, in early 2025.