Further A5 delay as public inquiry to reopen next year

STORMONT Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, has reaffirmed her commitment to progressing the proposed A5 dual carriageway, after it emerged that the public inquiry into the much-delayed road scheme will have to be reopened early next year.

The SDLP MLA was speaking after the publication of an interim Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) report into the proceedings of last year’s public inquiry into the project, which was held over seven days in February and March 2020.

Her party colleague, West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan, said he was hugely disappointed at the further delay, but added it was a necessary evil to ensure the scheme progressed.

The Minister said, “I have accepted the Commissioner’s key recommendation regarding the preparation of and consultation on further documents on the important topics of flood risk and the consideration of alternatives to the proposed scheme.

“As such, I have asked officials to prepare a further addendum to the Environmental Statement (ESA) for consultation in early autumn. I have also today published the department’s formal response to all the recommendations made by the PAC and this is in the form of an Interim Departmental Statement.

“While I anticipate this approach will lead to the re-opening of the public inquiry, as recommended by the PAC, early next year, it will enable it to consider further public representations made on the two key topics of flood risk and scheme alternatives and prepare its final report. This, in turn, will allow a decision on the next steps for this important transformative scheme.”

The SDLP MLA said the A5 remained an “absolute priority” for her as a strategic road.

“It will open up connectivity in the North West and the rest of our island, ensure safer travel for communities and deliver opportunities for our local economy. I know this project has been long-awaited and I am determined as Minister to see it progress through the statutory process as quickly as possible, ensuring the project is delivered properly for citizens and our wider environment.”

The PAC Interim Report and Interim Departmental Statement on the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) Dual Carriageway scheme are available here.