A5 WTC (New Road from Aughnacloy to Derry)

[giveherlong]

The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) hosted a meeting for farmers and landowners affected by the new A5 transport corridor last week (18 October). The message from the Omagh meeting was that while the need for the new road was fully accepted, it was vital that those affected are treated fairly.

UFU deputy president, John McLenaghan, said, "Our meeting brought together over 150 farmers, landowners and local political representatives. The messages from those that will be affected by the new road was around how the vesting process is being handled, the need for transparency and equitable treatment. We urge everyone affected to take the necessary steps to protect their business interests and ensure they are compensated appropriately."

Mr McLenaghan stressed that this would be a long process and that all along the route needed to recognise the need to act collectively. He said the UFU will work on behalf of all landowners to ensure rights are upheld and that people affected are fairly compensated.

As part of that process the UFU launched its recommendations in the shape of an action plan to guide discussions with the authorities as the project continues:

Record keeping: Landowners are strongly encouraged to document all aspects of the process, including keeping detailed records and taking photographs of their land and any features before work begins.
Seek professional advice: Farmers and landowners should seek guidance from land agents, solicitors, and accountants, especially regarding the tax implications of compensation. This professional advice is essential for navigating the complexities of the process.
Minutes: Take minutes during any meetings with land agents or contractors to ensure a clear record of discussions and agreements.
Development value: There was a strong call for landowners to ensure that they receive the development value of their land, as many in attendance felt that they had not been treated fairly to date.
"This is about fair treatment and the protection of rights. We are not out to delay the road. We recognise it is vital to tackle its road safety record. All we are seeking is a commitment that farming families whose businesses will be affected are treated properly and in a timely way," said the UFU deputy president.

[Milltown Row2]

No word on the wildlife that was used as one of the reasons? So just for the money then? Probably held out for as long as they could to get more money

[armaghniac]

No word on the wildlife that was used as one of the reasons? So just for the money then? Probably held out for as long as they could to get more money

there is a wild life around Omagh to be sure.

[marty34]

Seems that they've 'conceded defeat' or at least wised up in terms of how dangerous the A5 is.

Any word on when it starts?

[giveherlong]

Another legal challenge confirmed. FS!

[Wildweasel74]

But how can u repeatly put in legal challenges one after another. Is this one about the flood plain? Get it started up to that point. Are persons submitting legal challenges having to give their name, or hiding behind so community grouping?

[God14]

So frustrating, absolysickened by this news

[Truthsayer]

Not sure bout this objection... but was previous ones with sectarian undertones. A road from Donegal to Dublin...

[RadioGAAGAA]

But how can u repeatly put in legal challenges one after another. Is this one about the flood plain? Get it started up to that point. Are persons submitting legal challenges having to give their name, or hiding behind so community grouping?

More to the point, who is paying for them?

[marty34]

But how can u repeatly put in legal challenges one after another. Is this one about the flood plain? Get it started up to that point. Are persons submitting legal challenges having to give their name, or hiding behind so community grouping?

More to the point, who is paying for them?

More to the point, who the f*^k are they?

[Hereiam]

28 Oct 2024: DFI "made" the three legal orders necessary to commence construction of the stretch from south of Strabane to Ballygawley earlier this month. This process of "making" involves passing the legislation via their own powers, and giving the exact date that they will take effect. Note that they were not all"made" on the same day and don't all take effect on the same day either. So we have:

The Direction Order – which gives DFI permission to construct a new trunk road, was "made" on 10 October 2024 and will take effect on 13 November 2024.
The Vesting Order – which formally passes ownership of the required land to DFI and triggers a process to compensate the previous owners, was "made" on 15 October 2024 and will take effect on 25 November 2024.
The Stopping Up Order – which allows DFI to close or relocate some existing private accesses onto public roads to facilitate the new road layout, was also "made" on 15 October 2024 and will take effect on 25 November 2024.
This means that work could theoretically begin after 25 November, though in practice it probably won't due to the need to do some detailed design. The first sign of work on the ground will probably be the fencing off of the vested land. Of course there is also a good chance of a legal challenge, which would be expected to come shortly before one of the two dates given (13 or 25 November). With all but one (Tully Bog) of the four most sensitive environmental sites not located on this stretch of the road, DFI are probably feeling confident about winning such a challenge but if it happens, due process will be followed which may delay things by a few weeks or months. So if we don't see fencing work begin in November we'll probably see it early in 2025.

Wesley Johnston called it right.

[Pub Bore]

But how can u repeatly put in legal challenges one after another. Is this one about the flood plain? Get it started up to that point. Are persons submitting legal challenges having to give their name, or hiding behind so community grouping?

More to the point, who is paying for them?

More to the point, who the f*^k are they?

All these challenges do is increase the cost of the road.  Then the same clowns will complain about spiralling costs.

[AustinPowers]

I honestly think this  is all down to  the road linking Donegal with Monaghan/Dublin. No other reason  for these challenges other than  pure  bigotry. Insecure  unionists thinking it's yet  another step towards a United Ireland.

The same with the hourly enterprise train. East Belfast residents want the amount  of  trains  heading to and from Dublin reduced .

Anyone with half a brain cell can  see how  good both situations  are/would be for people's safety,  the economy, jobs, tourism, the environment  etc etc. But no , the Union Jack tinted  glasses  are always on

[Pub Bore]

I honestly think this  is all down to  the road linking Donegal with Monaghan/Dublin. No other reason  for these challenges other than  pure  bigotry. Insecure  unionists thinking it's yet  another step towards a United Ireland.

The same with the hourly enterprise train. East Belfast residents want the amount  of  trains  heading to and from Dublin reduced .

Anyone with half a brain cell can  see how  good both situations  are/would be for people's safety,  the economy, jobs, tourism, the environment  etc etc. But no , the Union Jack tinted  glasses  are always on

Them's Fenian trains you see.

[tiempo]

I honestly think this  is all down to  the road linking Donegal with Monaghan/Dublin. No other reason  for these challenges other than  pure  bigotry. Insecure  unionists thinking it's yet  another step towards a United Ireland.

The same with the hourly enterprise train. East Belfast residents want the amount  of  trains  heading to and from Dublin reduced .

Anyone with half a brain cell can  see how  good both situations  are/would be for people's safety,  the economy, jobs, tourism, the environment  etc etc. But no , the Union Jack tinted  glasses  are always on

One reason and one reason only, its a caflick road dont yeno