By Alan Rodgers

IT took almost two hours for Mr Justice McAlinden to deliver his verdict – a judgement that confirmed the latest devastating setback to the long-delayed £1.2 billion A5 dual-carriageway project.

In a packed Judicial Review room at the High Court in Belfast, campaigners from both sides – the Alternative A5 Alliance and the Enough is Enough group – sat shoulder to shoulder, yet entirely apart.

No words were exchanged, only silent anticipation as they awaited the outcome that many believed would finally green-light the long-awaited road between Ballygawley and Newbuildings.

Surely this would be the moment. Surely the decision by then-Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd nine months earlier would be upheld.

But as Justice McAlinden worked through his summary of the 200-page judgement, it quickly became clear that hope was misplaced.

Word of the decision spread before he had even finished. There, buried on page 100, was the line that sealed it: ‘For the reasons given above, the decision and orders made thereunder must be quashed…’

Those with early access to the judgement knew instantly. For others, including Enough is Enough chair Niall McKenna and campaigners seated nearby, the full impact landed seconds later… visible in the crestfallen expressions that followed.

There were no bereaved families present in the courtroom. Perhaps it was for the best. They were spared the immediate glare of media reaction and the need to once again articulate pain that never truly fades. But their absence didn’t mean they weren’t foremost in everyone’s thoughts.

New Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins sat silently behind the legal teams, listening as the judgement unfolded, close to vocal A5 opponents like Hamilton Hazard and prominent road supporters from Tyrone GAA.

Justice McAlinden’s critique of the Department for Infrastructure was damning. His words passed in something of a blur, but their weight will linger.

There are slivers of hope tucked between the pages – indications that a path forward might still be possible – but only if lessons are learned and action taken, fast.

In the end, whatever one’s stance on the road, a particular passage of the judgement will resonate with everyone.

It demands to be read, and re-read:

‘Concerted efforts must be made by all concerns so that sooner, rather than later, a new and safer A5 dual-carriageway may come into operation and the long list of names of those who have perished on that road will not be added to.’