Deborah Erskine said:
“Today’s ruling will come as a deep disappointment to many campaigners who have long supported the A5 scheme – particularly the families who have tragically lost loved ones on this road.
I have consistently backed the need for this vital infrastructure project, but it must be recognised that the handling of the scheme from the outset has been deeply flawed by DfI.
What is most concerning now is the uncertainty this judgment creates – not just for grieving families and road safety campaigners, but also for local farmers, landowners and the wider community who have waited far too long for answers. For example, will the Department now rescind vesting orders? People are asking the question what happens next?
We will study the ruling in detail, including the judge’s comments around the role of climate change targets in the decision. This raises serious and potentially far-reaching implications for future infrastructure investment across Northern Ireland and if climate change legislation is an obstacle for delivering major infrastructure schemes then this will have to be looked at as a matter of priority.
There must now be urgent clarity from the Department – both on the future of the A5 and on how it intends to strike the right balance between environmental responsibilities and the pressing need for safe, modern infrastructure.”