Northern Ireland

Work on long-delayed A5 Derry-Dublin road could begin next year

The A5 runs from Derry through Strabane, Omagh and Aughnacloy at the border, forming part of the main route linking Dublin with the north west
The A5 runs from Derry through Strabane, Omagh and Aughnacloy at the border, forming part of the main route linking Dublin with the north west The A5 runs from Derry through Strabane, Omagh and Aughnacloy at the border, forming part of the main route linking Dublin with the north west

Construction of a long-delayed new dual carriageway between Derry and and border at Aughnacloy could begin late next year, the Department for Infrastructure has said.

Building work on the A5 scheme was due to commence several years ago.

The most recent obstacle, a court ruling effectively meaning civil servants could not take major decisions in the absence of ministers, was addressed by legislation aimed at unblocking the logjam created by the collapse of Stormont power-sharing.

Read more:

  • Decision to approve A5 road scheme to be quashed
  • Call to press ahead with A5 road scheme despite latest legal setback

The project would see a new 85km road running from New Buildings outside Derry via Strabane, Newtownstewart, Omagh and Ballygawley, terminating near the border at Aughnacloy.

Construction on phase one was due to begin early this year at a cost of £150m but was put on hold after judicial review proceedings were launched by umbrella group the Alternative A5 Alliance.

The first phase of the A5 project would provide a dual carriageway between Derry and Strabane. Image from the Department for Infrastructure.
The first phase of the A5 project would provide a dual carriageway between Derry and Strabane. Image from the Department for Infrastructure. The first phase of the A5 project would provide a dual carriageway between Derry and Strabane. Image from the Department for Infrastructure.

In 2013 the group, made up of landowners, farmers and supporters, won its first legal action against the project.

At that stage a judge quashed the decision to press ahead with the scheme, which forms part of a route linking Dublin and the north west, due to a breach of a habitats directive.

The infrastructure department said today: "The A5 remains a very high priority for the department and it will now move immediately to carry out the necessary work to enable a fresh decision on the project to be taken during 2019."

It confirmed construction work could begin late next year, subject to legal considerations and any further issues arising.

Westminster has passed the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018, giving civil servants powers to take major decisions in the absence of ministers.

Construction Employers Federation managing director John Armstrong said the department moved speedily.

"As this decision is, ultimately, tied to the passing of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act and its associated guidance, it is now critical that all government departments follow the lead of the Department for Infrastructure by seeking to utilise the powers of the new legislation to bring forward a range of capital works, both public and private sector, which are currently unable to progress for a variety of reasons.

"It is also critical that we see consistency in application of the act and its associated guidance by all government departments as it must, in the continued absence of ministers, be the means by which greater certainty can be applied to all levels of public sector construction works."

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley said the "groundbreaking" project would improve connectivity across the north-west and with Dublin.

"Recent fatalities on the A5 have once again reflected the need for enhanced infrastructure to improve road safety on one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland.

"Sinn Féin are committed to the achieving social development and the economic regeneration of the north-west and the A5 is key to delivering this."

SDLP assembly member Daniel McCrossan welcomed the department's comments but said it was a "travesty we’ve got to this position on the first place".

“The west and north west of this province deserve this road that will prevent death, increase investment and grow connectivity. This scheme has generated widespread support from the public and businesses alike. There can be no more kicking the can down the road.

“I am glad the department have listened to my calls to progress the scheme under new civil servant powers. I hope this is done immediately and a consultation process is now imminent.”