Minister Confirms Appeal Over Court Block on A5 Dual Carriageway Plan

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Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, has confirmed the Executive’s intention to appeal a High Court decision that blocked the long-delayed A5 dual carriageway upgrade. 

Minister Kimmins described the ruling as “extremely disappointing” and reiterated her commitment to progressing the scheme, which has been in development for over 15 years. She stated that officials are preparing to initiate the appeal process, subject to Executive approval, and are actively considering legal avenues to ensure compliance while moving the project forward.

The court ruling, delivered on 23 June 2025, found that the Department for Infrastructure had failed to comply with obligations under the region’s Climate Change Act and human rights legislation.

The £1.2-billion road scheme, intended to connect Derry and Aughnacloy with a 94-kilometre dual carriageway, had been approved by ministers in October 2024. However, a judicial review successfully challenged that decision, with Mr Justice McAlinden ruling that the Department had not adequately addressed concerns raised by the Planning Appeals Commission, particularly regarding climate impact and procedural transparency.

Campaigners supporting the upgrade, including the A5 Enough is Enough group, have long pushed for urgent action. Over 50 people have died on the existing single carriageway since 2006. The group welcomed news of a possible appeal and stressed the need to prioritise safety. West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley added that the road continues to claim lives every few months and that the delay has serious human costs.

The High Court ruling marks the first major legal application of Stormont’s Climate Change Act, highlighting a growing intersection between infrastructure delivery and environmental accountability. Although the judge acknowledged that the legal flaws were “capable of being remedied,” he stressed that future decisions must meet statutory environmental and planning standards.

The Department for Infrastructure now awaits formal clearance from the Northern Ireland Executive before proceeding with the appeal. Minister Kimmins has made it clear that her priority is to find a lawful and effective route to construct the A5, citing the project’s critical role in improving road safety and supporting regional connectivity.

The appeal is expected to be filed in the coming weeks. Until then, the A5 upgrade remains suspended, pending further legal clarification and political agreement.