Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins met with campaigners Monica Heaney, Sinead Lunny and Cllr Joy Ferguson to discuss upgrades for the A1 road. The Newry-based Ms Heaney's son Karl died in a crash on the A1 between Dromore and Banbridge in 2018.

Ms Heaney called for A1 safety improvements, noting the difference from the A5 project. She pointed out the A5 as a new 58-mile road costing 1.7 billion pounds across 800 hectares, while A1 upgrades cover 13 miles of existing road. She stressed the need to save lives and prioritise safety on the major route.

Minister Kimmins recognised multiple collisions on the A1 over years, resulting in losses and injuries. She expressed support for the safety upgrades after hearing the campaigners' accounts. Kimmins instructed officials to extend the restricted tenders list for 12 months as a contingency while awaiting the A5 appeal outcome.

The pause keeps the A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme active, allowing procurement to resume later. Kimmins stated she remains committed to the road upgrade.

Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA urged Minister Kimmins to end the 12-month pause on the A1 Junctions Phase 2 improvements.