A5 Western Transport Corridor Scheme Public Inquiry reopens

The Public Inquiry into the A5 dual carriageway scheme in the Western Transport Corridor will reopen on Monday 15 May 2023 at 10.30 am in Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.

The Department for Infrastructure appointed the Planning Appeals Commission to undertake a Public Inquiry into the A5 dual carriageway scheme in 2019.

Stages 1 and 2 of the Inquiry took place in February and March 2020, however, following a request for further works on the flood risks and alternatives to the proposed scheme, the Inquiry was adjourned.

Stage 3 of the Public Inquiry is scheduled to take place from Monday 15 to Friday 19 May 2023 in Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.  Following a one week break, the Inquiry will resume on Tuesday 30 May 2023 in Omagh Enterprise Centre until Friday 02 June 2023.

The programme for the Inquiry is as follows and can be downloaded below:

Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

Monday 15 May 2023 at 10.30 am

• Reopening of the Inquiry
• Overview of the updated environmental statement
• The traffic model
• Climate
• Air quality

Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 10.00 am

• Ecology and nature conservation
• Overview of the habitats reports
• Watercourse Special Areas of Conservation
• Special Protection Areas for birds

Wednesday 17 May 2023 at 10.00 am

• Cultural heritage
• Noise and vibration
• Landscape and visual effects
• Community severance

Thursday 18 May 2023 at 10.00 am

• Flood risk
• Agricultural industry impact assessment
• Local business impact assessment

Friday 19 May 2023 at 10.00 am

• Tully Bog Special Area of Conservation
• Proposed supplementary vesting order

Tuesday 30 May 2023 at 10.30 am

Justification for the scheme including:

• Objectives and policy
• Road safety
• Regional balance
• North / South links
• Journey times

Omagh Enterprise Centre

Wednesday 31 May 2023 at 10.00 am

Justification for the scheme continues:

• Economic competitiveness
• Economic appraisal

Funding

Implications of the All Island Strategic Rail Review

Thursday 01 June 2023 at 10.00 am

• The alternatives study

Friday 02 June 2023  at 10.00 am

• Phasing
• Any matters left over from previous sessions
• Close of the Inquiry

Further information including documentation is available on the Planning Appeals Commission website.