Latest news with #A5WesternTransportCorridor
Belfast Telegraph
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Stormont Executive has failed A5 victims and cost of putting a wrong right is spiralling
The High Court judge ruled that the decision to give the go-ahead for the dual carriageway scheme was rendered 'irrational' by previous pledges on climate control. The Department for Infrastructure failed to convince the High Court that upgrading the road would not prevent Northern Ireland meeting the net-zero target by 2050, a pledge made in the 2022 Climate Change Act. Former Stormont Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd gave the go-ahead for the 53-mile development between Derry and Aughnacloy in October last year, he has since handed over to party colleague Liz Kimmins. Sinn Fein also voted in favour of the climate act that the High Court now states is incompatible with the current A5 build. The was a face-off in court between locals and landowners v politicians and bears a remarkable resemblance to the court cases mounted by residents that prevented the building of Casement Park back in 2014. The initial approval was quashed by a judge following a legal challenge from residents who were concerned about the stadium's size and potential impact on their area. As a result the build was delayed and costs spiralled, with a huge funding deficit still holding back the project. Earlier this year the Executive agreed a Programme for Government 2024-2027, which outlines its priorities and is a delivery plan for the remainder of this Assembly mandate. It included a pledge that: 'Actions will include progressing delivery of the A5 Western Transport Corridor and publishing an annual Action Plan to support the Road Safety Strategy'. Given the High Court judgment this week it would seem almost impossible to meet that commitment. Solicitor for Alternative A5 Alliance: Quashing of road upgrade is an "extraordinary accomplishment" Timing is key as was noted in the ruling , with the judge saying there was a 'failure to properly show consideration of human rights issues in not imposing a time limit for construction'. Time limits for any building works in Northern Ireland are notoriously difficult to pin down. Perhaps the most startling line of that ruling were the acknowledgement of potential fatalities. 'It is likely that delays in the progression of this scheme will coincide with the occurrence of further loss of life and serious injury on the existing road', said Mr Justice McAlinden. It is already too late for the 57 people who have died on the stretch of road since 2006. 'I am acutely aware that this decision will bring significant, fresh anguish to the doors of those who have been injured and maimed and those who have lost loved ones as a result of road traffic accidents on the existing A5 road,' the judge added. They include Marie O'Brien, whose daughter Caoimhe died in a crash on the A5 in 2016 — she described the ruling as a 'punch in the gut' — and the family of Tyrone Gaelic footballer John Rafferty, 21, killed in a crash in October 2022. The A5 Enough is Enough group set up after his death said the road is 'a death trap'. The judge in this case could only rule on the law in front of him and not the emotions of the case, this was clear in his judgment. The ruling leaves the upgrade of the road in limbo, with no clear path as to how the minister can deliver the pledge to upgrade the road. It will require a community to look inward and decide what they prioritise in terms of the future and if those who oppose the build now consider what they would accept in terms of a future upgrade. But it also raises questions about the ability of Stormont to deliver. The A5 is still a dangerous road, the cost of upgrading it — like the Casement build — will only increase with further delays, and yet as of now the Executive and minister are on a road to nowhere and will need to have a serious rethink about how to deliver on this key PfG pledge.
Agriland
04-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
UFU: ‘Alarming absence' of clear communication on A5 project
The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has highlighted the challenges and 'prolonged disruption' faced by farm families due to the ongoing A5 Western Transport Corridor project. The UFU addressed the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) and the Committee for Infrastructure at Stormont yesterday (June 3). It said that it recognises the significance of the project, particularly its potential impact on road safety and regional connectivity. However, the UFU has concerns regarding the scheme's impact on agricultural business, land vesting and the 'dire lack of communication' from government departments and contractors. A5 project The UFU's technical and communications manager, James McCluggage believes that there is an 'alarming absence' of consistent communication from all parties involved. McCluggage said: 'Farmers and their appointed agents are reporting a significant communication breakdown. There are few 'liaison officers' on the ground, leaving landowners without a direct point of contact for their numerous questions and problems. 'Also, road contractors are consistently failing to inform landowners about works affecting their land, leading to frustration about construction schedules, access arrangements and business implications.' The UFU also told the committees that it has concerns about the vesting process and compensation. 'Landowners are demanding transparency on the vesting price, with a clear rationale provided by the district valuer. Many have seen their land vested and works commence, yet they are still awaiting any compensation or even a valuation,' McCluggage explained. 'This is simply unacceptable. We are also deeply concerned about the economic impact this is already having on farmers, with a noticeable decrease in production this year.' According to McCluggage, there was 'significant' confusion for some farmers when updating their maps before the Single Application Form (SAF) deadline on May 15. He said: 'There needs to be some form of force majeure provision for these landowners this year, as mistakes may understandably have been made due to the ongoing disruption. 'We stressed the urgent need for clarity on the planning of essential permanent infrastructure, such as new farm sheds, at an early stage, with the full authority of the Planning Service NI. 'The current method for calculating process contributions in planning applications, particularly for upgrading or replacing existing agricultural infrastructure, is flawed.
