Introduction to the A5 Road Upgrade
The A5 road, a vital artery connecting Londonderry to Aughnacloy in County Tyrone and linking to Dublin via the N2 in County Monaghan, has long been dubbed Northern Ireland’s most dangerous road. With over 50 fatalities since 2006, the push for a £1.2–£1.7 billion upgrade to transform the 53-mile (85km) single carriageway into a modern dual carriageway has been a priority for campaigners, local communities, and the Stormont Executive. However, 2024 and 2025 have seen significant developments and setbacks, particularly a High Court ruling in June 2025 that halted the project due to climate change concerns. This SEO-optimised blog post explores the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) upgrade’s status in 2025, its history, challenges, and future implications, targeting searches like “A5 road upgrade Northern Ireland 2025” or “A5 dual carriageway progress.”
Why the A5 Upgrade Matters
The A5 is a critical route for Northern Ireland’s northwest, connecting urban centres like Derry, Strabane, and Omagh, and serving as a key cross-border link to Dublin. Its importance includes:
Road Safety: Between 2012 and 2024, the A5 recorded 37 fatalities (0.44 deaths per kilometre, the highest in NI) and over 1,200 injuries in collisions, earning its grim reputation.
Economic Benefits: The upgrade promises to reduce journey times by up to 27 minutes, boosting connectivity and economic activity in the northwest, where businesses like Manfreight report delays as a barrier to investment.
Cross-Border Cooperation: With €600 million (£500 million) pledged by the Irish Government via the Shared Island initiative, the project strengthens ties between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Community Impact: The A5 affects daily life for residents, from commuters to families, with campaigners like the A5 Enough is Enough group highlighting the “catastrophic legacy” of deaths and injuries.
History and Progress of the A5 Upgrade
Origins and Planning
2007: The Northern Ireland Executive and Irish Government announced plans to upgrade the A5 to a dual carriageway, initially estimated at £560 million, later rising to £1.2–£1.7 billion.
2011–2022: Multiple public inquiries and legal challenges by the Alternative A5 Alliance (AA5A), a group of landowners and environmentalists, delayed progress over land acquisition and environmental concerns.
2023: A Stormont official projected completion by 2028, with the Department of Finance approving the business case. A public inquiry in Omagh examined funding and economic impacts.
October 2024: Stormont ministers, led by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, approved the first phase (Strabane to Ballygawley, 34 miles), with work set to begin in early 2025. The Irish Government committed €600 million, covering half the project’s cost.
2025 Setback
June 2025: The High Court, in a 97-page ruling by Justice McAlinden, quashed the upgrade due to non-compliance with the Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022, which mandates net-zero emissions by 2050. The judge cited:
Inadequate Environmental Assessment: The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) failed to properly assess greenhouse gas emissions or include the project in Stormont’s draft Climate Action Plan (2023–2027).
Human Rights Concerns: The project would temporarily affect access to over 130 properties and require demolishing three homes, with insufficient consideration of residents’ rights.
Carbon Budget Challenges: Northern Ireland struggles to meet its first carbon budget, and the A5’s emissions were not adequately scrutinised.
Public Reaction:
A5 Enough is Enough: Campaigners, including Niall McKenna, expressed deep disappointment, noting the ruling adds “fresh anguish” for families of victims.
Alternative A5 Alliance: Celebrated the ruling as a victory for the environment, advocating for upgrades to the existing road (e.g., overtaking lanes) to reduce costs and ecological impact.
Local Voices: Residents like Angela O’Neill, who lost her mother on the A5, called the decision “unbearable,” fearing more deaths.
Political Response: Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins vowed to “not give up,” while the SDLP called for emergency legislation to bypass climate law conflicts. The DUP warned of “far-reaching implications” for future infrastructure.
Current Status in July 2025
As of July 19, 2025:
Project Halted: The High Court ruling has paused construction, originally slated for early 2025. The DfI is exploring options, including appealing the decision or revising the environmental assessment.
Landowner Options: The DfI presented landowners along the route with three options post-ruling, though specifics are unclear.
Ongoing Advocacy: The A5 Enough is Enough group continues to push for progress, highlighting recent fatalities, including 10 deaths in the past 28 months.
Climate Compliance: The DfI must address the court’s concerns by providing a detailed emissions analysis and aligning the project with the Climate Action Plan. Justice McAlinden noted that these “shortcomings” are fixable, offering a potential path forward.
Challenges Facing the A5 Upgrade
Climate Change Compliance:
The Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 requires projects to align with net-zero goals. The A5’s absence from the 2023–2027 Climate Action Plan and lack of emissions scrutiny led to the court’s ruling.
Solution: The DfI must conduct a robust environmental impact assessment, detailing how the project aligns with carbon budgets. The Green Party suggests alternative safety measures (e.g., bypasses) to reduce emissions.
Land Acquisition:
The project involves compulsory land purchases, affecting over 130 properties and demolishing three homes, sparking opposition from the AA5A.
Solution: Engage with landowners transparently, offering fair compensation and exploring less invasive upgrades, as suggested by the AA5A.
Funding and Costs:
Estimated at £1.2–£1.7 billion, the project is NI’s largest road scheme, with €600 million from Ireland. Budget constraints and rising costs (from £560 million in 2007) remain a concern.
Solution: Phase the project (e.g., starting with Strabane–Ballygawley) to manage costs, leveraging Irish funding.
Public and Political Divide:
Safety campaigners and local businesses support the upgrade, while environmentalists and landowners oppose it. Political parties like Sinn Féin and the SDLP back the project, but the DUP warns of broader infrastructure impacts.
Solution: Balance safety and environmental concerns through public consultations and alternative proposals, such as widening existing lanes.
Tips for Drivers and Communities in 2025
While the A5 upgrade is stalled, here’s how to stay safe and engaged:
Drive Cautiously: The A5 remains a single carriageway with over 200 side roads, prone to accidents. Reduce speed, especially near Strabane and Omagh, and avoid overtaking in risky areas.
Report Potholes: Potholes exacerbate the A5’s dangers. Report defects via www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/potholes or call Transport NI at 0300 200 7899 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM).
Claim Damage: If your vehicle is damaged on the A5, document the pothole (photos, location, time) and submit a claim to Transport NI using the form at www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/vehicle-damage-compensation-claim-form. Visit garages like A One Tyres (028 9446 3600, 124 Blacks Road, Belfast, BT10 0NF, Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM) for repairs.
Stay Informed: Follow updates from the DfI at www.a5wtc.com or contact Belfast City Council (028 9032 0202, City Hall, BT1 5GS, Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM) for local advocacy.
Support Campaigns: Join A5 Enough is Enough or follow @we_are_tyrone on X for updates on the project’s progress.
FAQs About the A5 Road Upgrade
Why was the A5 upgrade quashed in 2025?
The High Court ruled in June 2025 that the project breached the Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 due to inadequate greenhouse gas emissions assessments and human rights concerns over land acquisition.
How many deaths have occurred on the A5?
Since 2006, over 50 people have died, with 37 fatalities between 2012 and 2024 (0.44 deaths per kilometre, NI’s highest). Over 1,200 injuries were also recorded.
When will the A5 upgrade start?
Originally set for early 2025, the project is paused pending a DfI appeal or revised environmental plans. No new timeline has been confirmed.
How much will the A5 upgrade cost?
Estimates range from £1.2–£1.7 billion, with €600 million (£500 million) from the Irish Government.
What are the alternatives to a dual carriageway?
The Alternative A5 Alliance suggests upgrading the existing road with overtaking lanes and bypasses to improve safety while reducing environmental and land impacts.
Conclusion: A Path Forward for the A5
The A5 road upgrade remains a critical but contentious project in Northern Ireland. While the June 2025 court ruling has delayed progress, the DfI’s commitment to address legal shortcomings offers hope. The project’s balance of safety, economic benefits, and environmental compliance will shape its future. For now, drivers in Derry, Strabane, and Omagh should stay vigilant, report road defects, and engage with campaigns like A5 Enough is Enough to push for a safer A5.
For updates, visit www.a5wtc.com or contact Transport NI (0300 200 7899, Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM). Share this guide with others affected by the A5, and follow us for more NI infrastructure news!
Call to Action
Report Road Issues: Use www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/potholes to report A5 defects.
Join the Campaign: Support A5 Enough is Enough via their website or @we_are_tyrone on X.
Stay Updated: Follow www.bbc.co.uk/news or www.rte.ie for A5 developments.
Contact Local Councils: Reach out to Derry City & Strabane District Council (028 7125 3253, 98 Strand Road, BT48 7NN, Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) for advocacy.
