Councils unite in Omagh to demand action on long-delayed A5 road project

FIVE councils from both sides of the border have joined forces to ramp up pressure on governments in Dublin and Belfast to finally deliver the long-delayed A5 dual carriageway - a £1.7 billion infrastructure project described as “vital” for the economy and road safety across the North-West.

Senior representatives from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mid Ulster District Council, Donegal County Council and Monaghan County Council gathered on Monday at The Grange in Omagh for a landmark meeting designed to send a united message: the A5 can no longer be delayed.

The meeting, chaired by Fermanagh and Omagh Council chairperson Cllr Barry McElduff, comes amid deepening frustration at yet another legal appeal against the project, which could now face further delays of up to nine months.

“This initiative has brought together civic leaders, chief executives and directors from all five councils most directly impacted by the A5 campaign,” Cllr McElduff said.

“We are taking stock, renewing our advocacy, and targeting meetings at the highest political level - including the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Stormont’s First and Deputy First Ministers, and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.

“As a community we are angry. One councillor in the room put it well - we are professionally angry on behalf of our residents. The bereaved families of the 57 people who have lost their lives on this road deserve action.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, said the gathering demonstrated a critical unity of purpose.

“The A5 has massive potential to transform the North-West economy, particularly for Derry, Strabane and Fermanagh,” he said.

“Too often our region feels like the ‘black sheep’ - ignored by political establishments in both Dublin and Belfast. We want to make clear that there are no infrastructural benefits coming west of the Bann, and that must change.

“This is about economic growth, yes, but it’s also about saving lives. We cannot and will not give up the fight.”

The five councils resolved to escalate their lobbying efforts through the North-South Ministerial Council and to place the A5 firmly on the permanent agenda for future cross-border meetings.

Cllr McElduff said anger in the room was palpable, but the goal was to turn frustration into political action.

“People are despairing at yet another legal setback, but it is our duty to ensure this campaign has resilience until its successful conclusion,” he said.

“Everybody deserves to be heard in this process - but the voices that deserve to be heard most are the bereaved families. The delays are intolerable.”

The A5 upgrade - first announced in 2007 - has been beset by delays, court challenges and funding issues. Supporters argue it is critical for road safety, cross-border connectivity, and unlocking the economic potential of the North-West.

Now, with the backing of five councils representing hundreds of thousands of people, campaigners believe the case for the A5 has never been stronger - and that governments in Dublin and Belfast can no longer afford to look the other way.