Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister is set to appeal a Belfast court’s decision that overturned permission for the A5 roads project – the largest of its kind in the region.
In June, the High Court in Belfast sided with landowners who had opposed the A5 road redevelopment through Tyrone and Derry.
The ruling cited insufficient evidence that the project adhered to Stormont’s legally binding climate change legislation.
The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 mandates Stormont departments to ensure Northern Ireland meets its emissions targets and carbon budgets, striving for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Mr. Justice McAlinden stated that he found inadequate proof demonstrating the new A5’s construction and operation aligned with this legal requirement.
The £1.2 billion upgrade is crucial for the broader northwest region, including Donegal, and benefits from €600 million in funding from the Irish Government.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins previously expressed her intention to appeal in July, pending the support of her Executive colleagues.
Today, she announced that she has received executive approval, allowing the case to proceed to Northern Ireland’s Court of Appeal.
“I have instructed legal counsel to submit an appeal, and that will be done imminently ahead of the deadline for appeal, which is Friday 8 August,” she stated.
She added, “The appeal is currently being finalized. I must acknowledge the relentless work of officials, my team, and myself in ensuring a robust appeal submission. Concurrently, we are exploring all available options in parallel with lodging the appeal.”
Read the full report on www.rte.ie
Stormont minister to appeal High Court ruling on A5 upgrade was last modified: August 4th, 2025 by
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