The Ulster Farmers’ Union have met with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to discuss its campaign for vesting reform, and issues relating to the ongoing A5 legal process, including the urgent issue of land values.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has welcomed a commitment from the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins MLA, that construction on the A5 Western Transport Corridor will not begin before 1 January 2027 in any event, providing much needed certainty for affected landowners.
The commitment was given during a meeting between UFU Deputy President John McLenaghan and Policy Officer Daniel Toft with the Minister, where the Union raised ongoing concerns around the A5 project and the wider issues relating to the compulsory purchase of land.
The UFU said the announcement is a direct result of sustained engagement with the Department for Infrastructure and reflects concerns consistently raised by the Union on behalf of affected farmers.
UFU Deputy President John McLenaghan said, “This is a positive and important step forward as the ongoing uncertainty around the A5 and the ongoing case in the Court of Appeal has created real difficulty in planning and managing farm businesses.
“Having confirmation that construction will not begin, in any event, before January 2027 provides a degree of certainty that we have been lobbying for. It will allow our members to make informed decisions, including in relation to their farm support applications.”
The UFU has been actively campaigning on the issue of the A5, highlighting the mental impact of the prolonged uncertainty on farm businesses, concerns around land valuation, and the need for a fair and transparent approach to compensation.
The Union raised these issues directly with the Minister during the meeting, stressing that while the commitment on timing is welcome, significant concerns remain.
“While a date in the calendar is welcomed, it does not resolve the wider issues facing landowners. Concerns around land values, compensation and the overall project remain, and these must be addressed as a matter of urgency. The UFU continues to lobby the Minister and DfI officials on the urgent matter of land values.”
The meeting also provided an opportunity to progress discussions on vesting reform, with the UFU reiterating it’s long-standing position that the current system does not work for farmers and requires meaningful change.
The UFU also met with Deborah Erskine MLA and Tom Buchanan MLA on these issues, reinforcing the need for coordinated political support and will continue to engage with the Department for Infrastructure to ensure the interests of affected members are heard.
