Appeal Court quashes ruling that A5 project cannot proceed

The Court of Appeal in Belfast has quashed a ruling from a lower court that the delayed £1.7 billion A5 upgrade, Northern Ireland’s largest ever road project, cannot proceed in its current form.

The 58-mile proposed scheme, Northern Ireland’s largest ever road project, was given the green light by Stormont ministers in 2024.

However last year the High Court found the Department for Infrastructure’s plans for the road did not comply with climate change targets, following a legal challenge from a group including residents, farmers and landowners.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins then appealed against that ruling, stating she was determined to see the ambitious project completed.

In the Appeal Court on Tuesday, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan delivered judgment.

She said: “We allow the appeal and we set aside the order of the High Court quashing the decision to proceed with the A5 first phase on all grounds.

“We consider that the judge was wrong in his approach and the outcomes he reached in relation to the issues.”

There have been more than 50 deaths on the A5, which links Londonderry with Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone, since 2006.

A scheme to turn the road into a dual-carriageway was first approved by the Executive in 2007, but it has been held up by legal challenges and uncertainty over funding ever since.

There can be “no more delays” on the A5 road project, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said.

Reacting to the Court of Appeal ruling, Ms McDonald said: “Today is an important day for the families who have lost loved ones on the A5.

“The green light for this lifesaving project is welcome but there can be no more delays.

“The A5 must now move forward at pace. Lives depend on it.

“Sinn Féin has stood firmly behind this project from day one and we will continue working to see it delivered.”