The Stormont Agriculture committee is to write again to DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir asking him to clarify the basis on which he has decided to intervene in a judgement related to the proposed A5 route between Ballygawley and Sion Mills. Back in June 2025, a High Court judgement ruled against plans to build the road, citing the lack of evidence to show it would be compliant with the net zero commitments made in DAERA climate change legislation passed by MLAs in 2022.

An appeal to that judgement was lodged by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins in August and in September, Minister Muir said he has decided it is appropriate for his department to apply to the court to formally intervene in the appeal.

“I think he does need to give us more information with regards to the basis for his intervention, which he hasn’t done,” suggested former DAERA minister Michelle McIlveen.

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