A5 road upgrade won't affect Northern Ireland's net zero goals

In a recent court hearing, lawyers for the government said that the £1.2 billion A5 road upgrade won't harm Northern Ireland's goals for reducing carbon emissions. This statement comes as a group opposing the project is challenging the decision to start construction. The A5 project runs 53 miles, connecting Londonderry and Aughnacloy in County Tyrone. It was approved by Stormont ministers in October 2023. Supporters argue the upgrades are necessary because over 50 people have died on the A5 since 2006. The project is part of a plan to improve a key business route that connects Dublin to the northwest. However, the Alternative A5 Alliance, a group made up of local residents and landowners, argues that the road upgrade will violate climate targets set out in the Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022. They claim the Planning Appeals Commission recommended that the project should not proceed without proof that it would not impact climate goals. Paul McLaughlin, a lawyer for the Department for Infrastructure, stated that the department had sufficient information to support its decision. He emphasized that they acted in accordance with the climate targets and did not make an irrational decision. The hearing is ongoing.