More than 300 landowners in Co Tyrone will have their land vested as part of the first phase of A5 new road upgrade

The Department recognises the uncertainty that landowners, their families and businesses affected by the A5 Western Transport Corridor have faced over a prolonged period.

Since the High Court judgment in June 2025, officials have continued an extensive programme of engagement with landowners. Every affected landowner has been offered the opportunity to meet individually with the project team, while officials have maintained regular contact through direct correspondence and engagement with landowners and their appointed professional agents.

The Department also meets regularly with the Ulster Farmers’ Union, including at senior official level, and this engagement has continued following the recent Court of Appeal proceedings.

The legal proceedings and the quashing of the Vesting Orders disrupted the normal compensation process and delayed access to compensation funding for some affected landowners. Any claims arising from evidenced financial impacts will be assessed independently by Land & Property Services on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the statutory compensation framework.

The Minister has given a commitment that major construction work will not commence on any lands until after December 31 2026. Any necessary activities before that date remain limited to surveys and other essential preparatory work.

While the Department awaits the formal order giving effect to the Court of Appeal judgment of October 6 2026, officials will continue to engage and update affected landowners as the position develops.

A question and answer section has been created to help landowners understand the position, visit website