23 June 2025

The SDLP has said today’s court ruling against the A5 Western Transport Corridor project is a devastating outcome for the families and communities who have long campaigned for this life-saving infrastructure, and called for the Minister for Infrastructure to introduce emergency legislation to amend the relevant section of 2022 Climate Change Act to ensure it can’t be used to delay measures needed to protect human life.

Daniel McCrossan MLA said:

“Since the A5 was first announced in 2006 as a flagship Executive project, more than 50 people have lost their lives on this road, with thousands more seriously injured or left with life-altering injuries.

“No part of this road is safe; every single section has claimed lives. And every day that passes without progress puts more people at risk.

“The new A5 is absolutely essential for public safety, and the Minister must fight tooth and nail to deliver this.

“Today’s ruling is a bitter disappointment for bereaved families and campaigners. But it must not be used as an excuse to shelve this project.

“Minister Liz Kimmins need to act urgently to introduce emergency legislation that will introduce a clause to ensure that the Climate Change Act cannot be used to delay measures to protect human life.”

“Delay costs lives, and West Tyrone cannot afford to wait any longer.”

SDLP Party Leader Claire Hanna said:

“The A5 is the most deadly road in the north, and doing nothing to change this is not an option. It is a travesty that today’s decision further delays work commencing on the A5, and the SDLP will push for the Executive to make this a priority.”