Derry Mayor welcomes meeting with Minister on A5 WTC

PICTURED ABOVE: Left to right: Cllr Gary Doherty (Donegal CC), Mayor Ruairí McHugh (DCSDC), Barry McElduff Chair of Fermanagh Omagh DC, Gael Gildernew (Mid Ulster DC) DFI Minister liz Kimmins, Frances Burten Chair of Mid Ulster DC, Paul Canning Chair of Donegal CC, PJ O'Hanlon Chair of Monaghan DC.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh has reaffirmed the Council’s strong support for the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5 WTC) project following a constructive meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, alongside representatives from other co-ordinating Councils.

The meeting, which took place today in Belfast, saw a unified commitment to the A5 project’s delivery, emphasising its critical importance for the entire region. The delegation included representatives from Derry City and Strabane District Council, Fermanagh and Omagh, Mid Ulster, Monaghan and Donegal County Councils.

While fully backing the Minister’s appeal against the recent High Court judgement that has temporarily halted the project, the Mayor said members of the delegation highlighted to the Minister that urgent progress was needed to ensure delivery of this vital infrastructure.

Mayor McHugh said the A5 project is of huge strategic importance.  “The A5 Western Transport Corridor is not merely about upgrading a road, it is about saving lives, fostering economic prosperity, and connecting our communities more effectively.

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"I welcome the collaborative effort and the united support from the Councils sends a strong and clear message that we all stand together with our cross-border partners to ensure the A5 is delivered. This project is a key artery for our entire Northwest region, and its completion is essential for our future.

"We will continue to support the Minister in her efforts to resolve the current legal challenges.”

Mayor McHugh concluded: “Derry City and Strabane District Council remains steadfastly committed to this project. We will continue to work collaboratively with our neighbouring Councils to ensure that this vital infrastructure is built for the benefit of everyone in our community and beyond.”