The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) deputy president, John McLenaghan has said that Northern Ireland’s Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has caused “deep frustration” to farm families over the A5 project.
Yesterday, June 23, 2025, Northern Ireland’s High Court made its decision over the planned project.
McLenaghan said: “In (the) ruling, the judge stated that the DOI’s plans did not comply with climate change targets set by the NI executive.
“Prior to the targets becoming legislation in 2022, the UFU was consistently vocal about the deeply flawed and unrealistic targets, yet the majority of MLAs still voted in support of the legislation, going against the independent and expert advice of the Climate Change Committee.”
“We will now continue to support our members and lobby for fair and respectful treatment of landowners which has been missing throughout this process,” the UFU deputy president added.
McLenaghan has called for work to begin “without delay” to return vested land in its original state pre-vesting, and to fairly compensate farmers and landowners for the disruption to their businesses and operations.
“The UFU has always understood the need for improved infrastructure and safety, however, farmers and landowners needed to be supported and included in A5 communication from the get go which did not happen,” he said.
“For well over a decade, affected farmers and landowners were left in limbo, with no clear communication from any of the parties involved. “
“They were unable to plan for the future or invest in their farm business because they had zero confidence or awareness of what was happening,” McLenaghan added.
A5
Following the ruling, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins said her first thoughts were with all those who tragically lost loved ones on the the A5.
She said: “I want to pay tribute to the families who have lost loved ones and to the ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign for their dignified approach to this emotive issue.
“We will take time to carefully consider the judgement in full, including any implications for the scheme and the department’s next steps.”
“My priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all road users, and we remain committed to delivering the A5,” the minister said.
Minister Kimmins said that the DOI will continue to engage with stakeholders, including those who raised concerns over the project, to explore a path forward.
She said: “It is a matter of deep regret that we have received this decision today as we continue to see so many lives lost on this road, deaths that cause so much pain to families and tear our communities apart. It is the most dangerous road in Ireland.
“Building the A5 will save lives, create jobs, and significantly reduce journey times between the north-west and Dublin.”
“Despite this setback, we will work to find a way forward that sees the A5 built to save lives,” Minister Kimmins added.
