A5 lobby group outlines alternative way ahead

A LOBBY group formed to oppose what it calls "the massive, overkill proposal for a limited-access dual carriageway" between Aughnacloy and Londonderry has outlined an alternative vision for transport in the west of Northern Ireland.

The 'Alternative A5 Alliance' met in Newtownstewart recently to propose "a sustainable alternative of a three-lane road from Aughnacloy to Derry, coupled with a reinstated railway, connecting Portadown and Derry".

The meeting was arranged to involve other concerned parties including legal, political and farming interests. A number of members of the public were also present.

Said Malcolm Lake, spokesperson for the alliance: "It is agreed that these present proposals offer an outdated approach to the modern transport needs of the North-West region.

"The scheme totally neglects the need to bring transport projects in line with current EU and international thinking and for the responsible need to reduce CO2 emissions and to protect the environment."

At the meeting the group discussed a number of "action points".

Destructive

The road campaigners propose to co-ordinate the active opposition to the present "wasteful and destructive proposed A5 dualling project" and to mobilise land-owners, business owners, and householders affected adversely by the proposals.

The group will court environmental, animal and wildlife protection groups and rural amenity and human rights groups to promote "a sustainable alternative" and will put in place lobby groups to seek political support at the highest level.

The possibility of a legal challenge, fundraising, the employment of professional consultants to prepare a report on the actual transport needs of the North-West and the organisation of public information events were also discussed.

Mr Lake said the group wants to provide an economic and engineering basis for the sustainable alternative. It suggests the re-establishment of a modern user-friendly rail link between Londonderry and Portadown, with connections to Belfast, Dublin and other parts of Ireland with all the attendant real economic and environmental benefits.

It was also resolved to write to the Regional Development Minister formally, introducing the existence of the committee, pointing out his error in following the course presently embarked upon and inviting him to cease the work and to consider the 'Alternative A5' that the group proposes.