15 July 2025 

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has called on the Minister for Infrastructure to provide a clear guarantee that her department is fully prepared to launch and win an appeal against the recent High Court ruling on the A5 Western Transport Corridor.

In response to an Assembly Question from Mr McCrossan, the Minister confirmed that:

“Any appeal must be made within 6 weeks of the verdict coming into effect.”

With that window expected to close by early August, Mr McCrossan has warned that time is running out, and that the public needs confidence that the department is not only prepared to act, but capable of successfully overturning the judgment.

Daniel McCrossan MLA said:

“We are approaching a decisive moment. The Minister must now give a clear guarantee that her department has all its ducks in a row, that the legal advice, planning work and Executive approval processes are fully aligned to ensure a robust and urgent challenge.”

“The A5 cannot afford another false start. This is a road that has already been delayed by 17 years. Every legal setback and every collapse of Stormont has come at a cost, not just to public money, but in lost lives and lost opportunities.”

“The Executive must act decisively. There must be no more drift, no more silence and no more missed deadlines.”