A road campaigner fears further delays to the A5 dual carriageway will result in more lives lost on the dangerous road.
This road goes from Aughnacloy to Co Derry. It is one of the most dangerous roads. Since 2006, fifty-seven people died on it.
The upgrade was suggested in 2007. The government approved it in October 2024. Work was set to start this year. A legal problem caused a delay.
Nine people are against the upgrade. They filed a challenge against the plan. A court hearing is on March 18. Niall McKenna leads the “A5 Enough is Enough” group.
He says opponents ignore the danger. He feels they use technicalities to stop progress. Most people support the road upgrade. The group formed after a tragic death.
Tyrone player John Rafferty died in 2022. He was only 21 years old. A crash on the A5 took his life. The group asked to share their A5 stories in court.
They wanted “intervenor status” in November 2024. Niall said families could share their pain. The road caused too much loss for them. Niall explained their human perspective was missing.
The judge allowed them to speak. The government handles most legal arguments. The group will also have some input. Objectors used the legal system well, he noted.
The group felt a human story needed to be told. They plan to do that next week in court. People are asked to gather in Belfast. They should meet by the court Tuesday morning.
The gathering is for a public show of support. Niall hopes the road work moves forward. Niall stressed this is a crucial issue. Further delays will lead to more deaths.
Statistics show someone dies every few months. He thinks driving the A5 is scary. GAA president Jarlath Burns wrote an open letter. He wants people to support the demonstration March 18.
He sees the dangers of the A5 himself. The road is a daily threat for some people. Too many lives are already gone, added Burns. Families still lose loved ones due to delays.
Burns finds that unacceptable. Burns praised Tyrone GAA for its leadership. He called for county support on social media. He asked people to come to the demonstration.
He urged everyone to stand together. They should honor those lost and demand action. The project must not be delayed further. He asked for help to amplify the message.