New route options for Newbuildings to Sion Mills section of A5 being progressed

The northernmost section of the Western Transport Corridor was originally expected to be the first part of the massive road scheme to commence.

But flooding concerns along Section 1 of the proposed road from Newbuildings (South) to Sion Mills (North) were raised in a 2023 Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) report necessitating further work on the preferred route.

"We are now seeking feedback that will inform the ongoing design and assessment of new route options, leading to selection of the Department’s Preferred Route for Section 1.

"A preferred route for Section 1 was previously identified, however, considering the passage of time and the findings of the 2023 public inquiry report, this is now under review with the project currently focused on confirming a preferred route," DfI confirmed in a public notice.

The Department said the continuation of early assessment work on Section 1 does not affect the ongoing legal challenge to the A5 project and that it will take account of the outcome of the legal proceedings going forward.

Roads minister Liz Kimmins said: “I remain fully committed to the delivery of the A5 Western Transport Corridor project. My priority is to get the road built and to save lives.

“While part of the scheme is the subject of an ongoing legal challenge, this does not preclude us continuing to progress as much preparatory and early assessment work as we can on the section between Newbuildings and Sion Mills.”

Ms. Kimmins said there were important reasons for pressing on with the preparatory work.

"Saving lives on the existing A5 remains a priority, and the need to make progress has been recognised in recent court proceedings.

"Additionally, the assessments, engagement and consultation stages take time and starting them now helps avoid unnecessary delays later.

“My Department will host two days of public exhibitions to give members of the public the opportunity to provide feedback to the project team about the new route options being considered. These events will be held on Wednesday, May 27 in Strabane and Thursday, May 28 in Prehen, Derry.

"For those unable to attend, the information will also be published online with details on how people can respond formally also provided.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to engage with this process as all feedback received will help to inform the ongoing design and assessment of the new route options ahead of any final decisions being made,” she said.

Members of the public are invited to attend public exhibitions of the route options being considered at the Fir Trees Hotel in Strabane on Wednesday, May 27, from 11am to 8.30pm and in the Everglades Hotel in Derry on Thursday, May 28, from 11am to 8.30pm.

In October 2024 former roads minister John O’Dowd gave the green light for the first 34 miles of the road from Junction 8 south of Strabane, to the proposed Junction 15 near Ballygawley.