The High Court in Belfast resumed hearings on the A5 dual carriageway project. Mr Justice McAlinden is assessing if the £1.7 billion scheme complies with Northern Ireland's climate change commitments.

The case involves barristers for the Department for Infrastructure, Alternative A5 Alliance, and Tyrone GAA Enough is Enough campaign. The road would link Ballygawley in south Tyrone to Newbuildings in Derry.

Last June, Mr Justice McAlinden quashed approval given by former Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd. Current Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins appealed the ruling.

Lady Chief Justice Siobhan Keegan part-heard the appeal and referred questions on the project's climate impact back to the High Court.

Tony McGleenan KC addressed emissions data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. He stated that judgments on projected emissions fit within the draft Climate Change Plan from June 2025.

McGleenan noted that forecasts fell within anticipated ranges. He said policy programmes provide assurance that the Stormont Executive can meet climate targets.

The barrister responded to statistics showing targets might not be met. He indicated a margin of caution applies to such projections.