A protest was held outside Belfast High Court as a legal challenge to plans to upgrade the A5 road.
The demonstration was organised by the A5 Enough is Enough group on Tuesday morning, March 18, as a group of nine people opposed to the scheme brought a legal challenge against Stormont’s Department for Infrastructure.
The road, running from Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone to Co Derry, is one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Northern Ireland. Since 2006, 57 people have lost their lives along the route.
Read more: 'I'm fearful more lives will be lost if A5 upgrade is delayed further'
The upgrade was first proposed in 2007, and the Northern Ireland Executive gave it the green light in October 2024. Initial work to turn the road into a dual carriageway was due to get underway on the Strabane to Ballygawley stretch early this year, but has been delayed due to the legal challenge.
Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley attended today's public demonstration in Belfast. The West Tyrone MP said “too many lives have been lost” and she hoped work on the road could soon begin.
She said: “I stood today alongside families who have tragically lost loved ones on this stretch of road to say enough is enough. Every day of delay risks another sad and avoidable death on the A5. It is my sincere hope that we can soon move forward with building this new road.”
Ms Begley also highlighted the positive impact the new A5 will bring to motorists and local communities, adding: "Transforming this road will help to save lives, create jobs and significantly cut journey times between the north-west and Dublin. I would urge those still opposed to this road to join with the rest of us and ensure the A5 is built.”
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