I am deeply concerned by the Minister for Infrastructure's decision to appeal the recent High Court judgment on the A5 road scheme. 

This decision will only worsen the uncertainty for farming families and landowners along the proposed route, many of whom have already endured years of anxiety due to this stop-start process. 

The idea that this process, which was previously halted by Justice McAlinden's judgment, could now be restarted is causing real distress. These families deserve stability and clarity, not another period of prolonged limbo. 

I am also acutely aware of the many lives tragically lost on the A5 over the years. My thoughts are with the victims and their families, and I fully appreciate the urgent need for safer roads. 

However, legal certainty and procedural fairness are essential for any major infrastructure project. They ensure the project is sustainable, lawful, and respectful of everyone affected, including the rural communities whose homes, businesses, and livelihoods are at stake. 

I urge the Minister to carefully consider the wider human impact of this appeal and to engage constructively with all stakeholders. We must find a way forward that effectively balances safety, legality, and compassion.