Fermanagh and Omagh Council Report 2026 - Major Projects and Active Travel

Previously Authorised Section ( Section 2 and Section 3 Phase 1 B Sion Mills to Ballygawley)

The Court of Appeal found in favour of the Department on all grounds on 6 October 2026. Any party to the litigation may still seek leave to appeal this decision. While the Department was successful, the legal position remains unchanged until the Court makes the formal order giving effect to its judgment. As the wording of that order may affect the next steps, the Department will await its receipt before taking any substantive action. However, in the background the Department is continuing to progress the work required to enable delivery of this important strategic route at the earliest opportunity. This will involve completing the remaining checks and approvals as well as getting agreement on costs with the current contractors.

Section 1 (New Buildings to Sion Mills)
Work continues on a new Stage 2 Scheme Assessment to identify route options for Section 1. This includes assessment of the previously identified Preferred Route alongside alternative route options using updated environmental, engineering, traffic and economic information. The outcome of these assessments, together with feedback received through public engagement events, will inform the identification of a Preferred Route. Close collaboration is also ongoing with the Irish Government in relation to the adjoining TEN-T projects and with OPW in relation Lifford Flood Relief Scheme.

Section 3 Phase 3 (Ballygawley to south of Aughnacloy)
Work is continuing on elements of Section 3 Phase 3 that can be progressed at this stage. Close collaboration also continues with the Irish Government in relation to the adjoining N2 infrastructure projects.

The Court's judgment on the A5 Appeal represents a significant milestone for the Department. Time will be taken to consider it in detail and its implications for the major projects to be taken forward by the Department, however, the judgment provides important legal clarity and vindicates the Department’s position throughout, that it complied with the requirements of the Climate Change Act.

The Department has received a High Court Writ of Summons which has challenged the procurement process and has engaged its legal team to defend our position with regard to this competition.

While the award of the contract is dependent upon the successful completion of the procurement process and the legal matters associated with the Writ, the Department remains fully committed to the delivery of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass. The scheme represents a vital and transformative investment that will deliver significant benefits to the surrounding area.

Irvinestown Road and 

Mullaghmeen Road, Enniskillen