A5 road: Court overturns decision blocking carriageway upgrade

Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, has instructed officials to proceed swiftly with the development of one of the region’s largest road projects following the overturning of a court injunction that had previously blocked the scheme. The Court of Appeal in Belfast saw Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan declare that a 2025 judicial ruling, which halted the upgrade of the A5, was “problematic” and therefore could not be upheld.

The plan to construct a new dual carriageway linking Londonderry and Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, has been under consideration for nearly two decades. Throughout this period, the project has faced various challenges, particularly in terms of securing adequate funding and ongoing legal disputes. Environmental concerns have also been raised, especially regarding the potential impact on local farmland and ecosystems.

Despite these obstacles, campaigners have long advocated for improvements to the A5, drawing attention to its poor safety record. Over the past 18 years, the road has been the scene of 57 fatalities, prompting calls for urgent upgrades. The campaign group Enough is Enough acknowledged that while the court’s decision was not a cause for celebration, it did inspire a “sense of pride.” Families affected by the tragic crashes have also expressed support for the ruling, emphasizing that enhancing road safety “is the way forward.”

Minister Kimmins, whose department was responsible for the appeal, expressed her enthusiasm about the outcome, stating she was “absolutely delighted” and signaling that initiating construction would be her department’s immediate focus. Conversely, a legal representative for the Alternative A5 Alliance, representing landowners, farmers, and others opposed to the upgrade, remarked that they would “carefully consider today’s judgement” and reiterated their dedication to ensuring the project complies fully with legal standards

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