A5 landowners face further uncertainty as DfI awaits court order

MORE than 300 landowners affected by the first phase of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme are still awaiting clarity on the vesting of their land, with the Department for Infrastructure confirming that the normal compensation process has been disrupted by legal proceedings.

In an update on the current position, the department acknowledged the prolonged uncertainty faced by landowners, their families and businesses affected by the major road project.

Officials said an extensive programme of engagement had continued since the High Court judgment in June 2025, with every affected landowner offered an individual meeting with the project team.

Regular contact has also been maintained through direct correspondence and engagement with landowners and their appointed professional agents.

The department has continued to meet with the Ulster Farmers’ Union, including at senior official level, with discussions ongoing following the recent Court of Appeal proceedings.

However, the legal challenges and the quashing of the Vesting Orders have disrupted the normal compensation process and delayed access to compensation funding for some affected landowners.

The department confirmed that any claims arising from evidenced financial impacts will be assessed independently by Land and Property Services on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the statutory compensation framework.

It also reiterated the Minister’s commitment that major construction work will not begin on any lands before January 1, 2027.

Any activities required before that date will be limited to surveys and other essential preparatory work.

The department said it recognised the important role played by professional agents in supporting affected landowners and would meet reasonable professional fees associated with that representation.

Officials are now awaiting the formal order giving effect to the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on October 6.

In the meantime, the department has pledged to continue engaging with affected landowners and providing updates as the position develops.

A dedicated questions and answers section has also been created on the department’s website to help landowners understand the current situation. It will be updated as further information becomes available.

The information can be accessed at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/a5wtc-website-updates-following-court-appeal-judgement

The update relates to the first phase of construction involving Section 2 and Section 3 Phase 1B of the A5 Western Transport Corridor, covering the authorised section of the route from south of Strabane to Ballygawley.

The A5 scheme is an NI Executive-led project which proposes 85 kilometres of new road, including 82 kilometres of dual carriageway, running from New Buildings to the border at Aughnacloy.

It is intended to improve links between Strabane, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Ballygawley and Aughnacloy, while providing a strategic connection to international gateways.

The overall scheme is divided into three sections: Section 1, from New Buildings to south of Strabane; Section 2 and Section 3 Phase 1B, from south of Strabane to Ballygawley; and Section 3 Phase 3, from Ballygawley to the border south of Aughnacloy.

Contractors have been appointed to deliver each section.

The department says the scheme is designed to tackle regional imbalance, improve the economy, create better job prospects, increase prosperity and strengthen connections between communities.

However, it stresses that the most important objective is to save lives.

The project has faced a long and protracted history, including three public inquiries and four legal challenges, which have placed significant pressure on both its costs and delivery programme.

For affected landowners, the latest update provides a commitment to continued engagement and confirms that major construction will not begin before the end of 2026, but the department is still awaiting the formal court order before it can provide further clarity on the position following the latest legal proceedings.