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Climate Row Halts Key Northern Ireland Road
9 Dec
Summary
- The A5 dual carriageway upgrade faces a legal challenge.
- Objectors cite concerns over net-zero greenhouse gas targets.
- Over 50 lives have been lost on the A5 since 2006.
The Court of Appeal in Belfast is currently hearing an appeal against a ruling that has blocked the significant upgrade of the A5 road. This vital route connects Northern Ireland's north-west, including Donegal and Londonderry, to Dublin, passing through several key towns. The dual carriageway scheme, first announced in 2007, has been plagued by numerous delays.
More than 50 fatalities have occurred on the A5 since 2006, prompting a long-standing campaign for its improvement. However, a court ruling in June paused the upgrade after it was challenged by the Alternative A5 Alliance, a coalition of residents, landowners, and farmers.
This group contends that proceeding with the roadworks would violate legislative targets aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the future of this critical infrastructure project amidst environmental concerns.
