Proposals have been set forward to appeal a landmark decision on a stretch of road that has been highlighted as one of the most dangerous across the UK.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has revealed plans to challenge a High Court decision that halted the controversial A5 road upgrade project.

During a visit to Ballygawley in County Tyrone, the Minister confirmed her department would submit an appeal before Friday's deadline.

The June court ruling, delivered by Mr Justice McAlinden, struck down the Executive's approval of the road scheme.

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The judge determined that the project violated provisions within Stormont's Climate Change Act by failing to show how it would meet the 2050 net zero carbon emissions target.

Safety concerns dominate the debate surrounding the A5, which connects Londonderry to Aughnacloy in County Tyrone.

According to Government statistics, the route has witnessed over 50 fatalities since 2006, intensifying calls for urgent improvements.

The legal challenge that derailed the road project came from a coalition of local residents, farmers and landowners.

DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE | The A5 road in Northern Ireland

Their successful action marked the inaugural test of Stormont's Climate Change Act in court, which was criticised by experts.

Kimmins, who represents Newry and Armagh in the Legislative Assembly, said: "This was the very first test of the Act and officials are working very closely with officials in DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) to look at this and looking at how we can rectify that."

The minister emphasised her department's weekend efforts to prepare their response, adding: "We are looking at everything here and an appeal is our first step."

Fresh urgency accompanied the announcement, with Kimmins noting that another collision had occurred on the route that very day.

She pledged unwavering determination to deliver the road upgrade in the shortest timeframe possible.

The politician added: "I certainly will not be found wanting in terms of the work that has gone into this and that will continue to go into this to ensure that we get this road built and get it built in the shortest possible time."

Kimmins revealed plans for close cooperation with the Enough is Enough campaign group throughout the appeal process, which has long advocated for improvements to the dangerous route.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine acknowledged the appeal represented a "valid legal route" but cautioned that the process would "inevitably take time".

PA | Mary McDonald, sister of Dan and Christine McKane and niece of Julia McSorley, 75, who died in a collision on the A5, with Dan's daughters Cara and Ruth and SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan

She questioned whether the Minister's strategy would adequately address the climate targets that proved decisive in the court's ruling.

Erskine, who represents Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said: "What is unclear from the minister is how the appeal will address Justice McAlinden's clear reference to climate targets supported by Sinn Fein, the Alliance Party and the SDLP in his ruling."

The DUP representative warned these environmental commitments could obstruct multiple infrastructure projects across Northern Ireland. She urged immediate action on interim safety improvements, stating: "The reality is that work on the A5 is not going to commence any time soon."

The DUP MLA also called for fair treatment of affected landowners impacted by the Department for Infrastructure's failures.