URGENT UPDATE: Stormont ministers are facing accusations of obstructing the critical review of the A5 road project, with over 50 deaths reported on this vital route since 2006. Infrastructure Committee chairman Peter Martin condemned Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Environment Minister Andrew Muir for failing to respond to essential communications regarding the interaction between their departments.
During a tense committee meeting on October 25, 2023, Martin expressed his frustration, stating it is “very disappointing” that the ministers have not engaged with the committee about the implications of a recent court ruling on the £1.2 billion project. This ruling, delivered by Mr Justice McAlinden in June, quashed the Stormont Executive’s earlier approval of the scheme, citing violations of Northern Ireland’s Climate Change Act concerning net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The A5, linking Londonderry and Aughnacloy, has been marred by legal challenges and funding uncertainties since the dual carriageway project was first approved in 2007. The latest developments have raised urgent concerns over public safety and the future of infrastructure in the region.
Martin revealed that two weeks have passed since correspondence was sent to the ministers, highlighting the lack of engagement. He stated, “We simply haven’t had anything back from them,” emphasizing the committee’s responsibility to scrutinize the collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) during the judicial review process.
The chairman’s remarks were echoed by SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, who called Martin’s statement “very strong.” He questioned the ministers’ lack of cooperation in moving forward with the A5 project, which is crucial for public safety and connectivity in Northern Ireland.
Martin reiterated the committee’s intent to understand the nature of the inter-departmental engagement that led to the court’s decision. “What we are asking about is a judgment in the public domain and the reasons why the initial decision was made,” he stated firmly.
As the pressure mounts on the ministers, Martin vowed to pursue answers, saying, “Just to be clear to both ministers, I raise this every week until we have some solution around it.” The urgent need for clarity and cooperation underscores the importance of the A5 project, not just for infrastructure, but for the safety and well-being of the community.
This situation is developing rapidly, and the next steps will be crucial in determining how the A5 project proceeds. Observers are keenly watching to see if the ministers will respond to the committee’s requests in the coming days. The public safety implications of the A5 road project cannot be overstated, and the dialogue between the departments is essential for its future.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
