The Department for Infrastructure has appealed a High Court ruling that overturned approval for the A5 dual carriageway project. Mr Justice McAlinden quashed the decision last year. The Alternative A5 Alliance seeks to defend the judgement in the Court of Appeal in Belfast.

The alliance has collected £3,300 toward a £10,000 goal to cover legal costs. Members attended all days of recent High Court hearings, which extended into last week. The group has mounted successful challenges to the project since the early 2010s.

Barristers Marc Willers KC and Acland Bryant of Garden Court Chambers, along with solicitor Ciaran O’Hare of McIvor and Farrell Law, represent the alliance.

The A5 Western Transport Corridor aims to upgrade the route from Londonderry to the Tyrone border. Safety concerns and environmental impacts have delayed the scheme for years amid multiple legal reviews.