by Gráinne Connolly
It's been revealed that the long awaited A5 Western Transport Corridor (WTC) will be delayed again until at least September 2018 due to a legal challenge.
The news was confirmed to SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan, by the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Infrastructure, that the Judicial Review case to withdraw plans for the scheme was brought forward by "umbrella" group, the Alternative A5 Alliance.
The West Tyrone MLA says this legal challenge is "not acceptable" and that the opposing group is "standing in the way of necessary progress", while causing further disruption, inconvenience and unnecessary death.
In terms of the legal challenge itself, Mr McCrossan says the Alternative A5 Alliance is "clutching at straws" on grounds to go against the road scheme:
Teenager killed and child left in critical condition after Belfast road crash
Stormont leaders and chief constable in show of unity against station attack
Firefighters continue to battle ‘soul‑destroying’ wildfires in Mourne Mountains
Political leaders unite to condemn ‘cowardly’ attack on PSNI station