UPDATE: Two Stormont ministers are facing serious accusations of obstructing a critical review of the A5 road project linking Londonderry and Aughnacloy. Peter Martin, chairman of the Infrastructure Committee, expressed his frustration today, revealing that Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Environment Minister Andrew Muir have not responded to urgent inquiries regarding their departments’ roles in the project.
The A5 road has been the site of over 50 deaths since 2006, making this review even more pressing. In June, a High Court ruling by Mr. Justice McAlinden halted the £1.2 billion road scheme, declaring it in violation of the Northern Ireland Climate Change Act. The court found that the proposed plans failed to meet the necessary standards for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
During a committee meeting today, Martin highlighted that he sent correspondence to the two ministers two weeks ago, seeking clarity on the legal interactions surrounding the project. He stated, “We simply haven’t had anything back from them,” adding that the committee is being “hampered” in its efforts to scrutinize the decision-making process.
The A5 project, approved for dual carriageway conversion in 2007, has faced numerous legal challenges and funding uncertainties over the years. The lack of ministerial engagement is frustrating, especially given the project’s public safety implications.
Martin emphasized that the committee’s inquiries are in the public interest. “I am deeply frustrated and looking at options as to what this committee can do if these two departments just choose not to engage with us,” he stated. Fellow committee member, Justin McNulty, echoed these concerns, questioning the ministers’ reluctance to cooperate on a matter of such significance.
The ministers have maintained that the court case is sub judice, but Martin disagrees, insisting that the judgment is already in the public domain. He committed to continuing to press for answers, stating, “I raise this every week until we have some solution around it.”
As the situation develops, stakeholders and residents are left waiting for clarity on not only the future of the A5 project but also the safety measures that could prevent further tragedies on this hazardous route. The committee’s next steps remain uncertain as they await responses from Kimmins and Muir, a situation that is sparking increased public concern and scrutiny.
Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing situation, which impacts both local communities and broader environmental policies.
