A5 farmers will be compensated

But she says farmers affected by the mutli-million pound infrastructure project will receive compensation for any losses and that she would be willing to meet those affected by the scheme.

The Minister was asked for her assessment of the impact the new A5 from Aughnacloy to Londonderry would have on the agricultural industry during a debate at the Stormont Assembly.

Whilst advising responsibility for assessing the road lies with the Department for Regional Development (DRD) and an overall compensation package with the Department of Finance and Personnel (DfP), she said she was keeping an eye on developments.

"My main concern in the process is that the impact on individual farm businesses is minimised where possible and properly compensated for when it cannot be mitigated against. It is also important to bear in mind that the Executive approved the scheme," she said.

She also rejected a suggestion by DUP MLA Lord Morrow that there was no need for the section of road from Aughnacloy to Ballygawley.

She said: "Having travelled on that road many times, I do not agree with the Member that the road is not needed. I feel that the A5 scheme will have a major impact on the farm businesses that are significantly affected, but they will receive compensation for their losses.I believe that the wider economic and social benefits of the scheme will vastly outweigh any impact."

The Minister said she had not met with any farmers to date but would be happy to do so in future.

"I have not been invited to attend a meeting, but I have spoken informally to some landowners who approached me. I have spoken to the Minister for Regional Development about a number of road schemes, including the proposed road to Derry that goes through Randalstown, and I met a number of concerned farmers there. I am not opposed to meeting the affected farmers but, to date, I have not received an invitation to do so."