Mid Ulster 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 positive judgment on the A5 appeal would permit my officials to proceed with the making of the relevant Statutory Orders. The timescales for progressing to procurement and construction will depend on several factors including, the completion of statutory procedures and the availability of funding in future years.

B0040

B0161

Moneymore Road &

Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt

B0040

B0161

Moneymore Road &

Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt