LETTERKENNY Chamber said it is ‘extremely disappointed’ by the latest setback over the long-running plans for a new A5 road between Derry and Dublin.
A judge today ruled against the decision to allow plans for the new A5 dual-carriageway to proceed.
At the High Court in Belfast today, Mr Justice McAlinden said he had made the decision on human rights and climate change grounds.
It means that the new £1.2 billion road will not now be going ahead as currently planned.
In a judgement running to 100 pages, in response to a case taken by a group called Alternative A5 Alliance (AA5A), Mr Justice McAlinden said he was acutely aware the decision would bring ‘fresh anguish’ to the families of those who have lost loved ones as a result of road traffic collisions on the road.
However, he said the issues highlighted in his ruling were ‘capable of being remedied’.
Jimmy Stafford, Letterkenny Chamber President, said the ruling will ‘once again halt this long‑standing plan to upgrade a vital transport corridor and address safety concerns’.
“We are extremely disappointed by the court’s ruling,” he said.
“The A5 project is central to our regional development strategy.
“We know how important this road corridor is, it needs to happen to save lives, reduce travel times, and enhance the economic potential of the north‑west region.”
Sinn Féin Donegal TDs Pearse Doherty and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn described today’s court ruling as ‘a devastating blow for our communities’.
In a joint statement, Deputies Doherty and Mac Lochlainn said: “Our communities have waited and suffered long enough, and our first thoughts are with all those families who have tragically lost loved ones on this road.
“Building the A5 will save lives, create jobs, and significantly reduce journey times between the north-west and Dublin.
“While today is another setback, Sinn Féin remains determined to see this road transformed.
“Every day that this project is delayed risks more avoidable heartbreak, and Sinn Féin will continue to work with our colleagues in Stormont to ensure a new A5 is delivered.”
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