Speaking on the issue, the DUP’s agriculture, environment and rural affairs spokesperson said: “The A5 ruling has shone a light on just how deeply climate extremism is now influencing both our legal and political systems.
 
“Some of the loudest voices now lamenting the outcome of the High Court ruling, are the very same MLAs who proudly championed the Climate Change Act legislation, which is built on legally binding, unworkable targets. They are now being forced to confront the consequences of their own virtue-signalling.
 
“This debate isn’t about whether the A5 should be built or not, it’s about the madness of climate extremism that is stalling desperately needed infrastructure across Northern Ireland.”
 
The Upper Bann MP added: “Our region needs modern, safe roads. We don’t want to see any more lives lost. Yes, we all want to protect the environment, but what’s being forced through under the banner of ‘net zero’ is anything but balanced. The policies being pushed aren’t practical. They’re not delivering real climate solutions. They’re just ticking boxes to hit abstract, unrealistic targets.
 
“From a farming perspective, this week’s court ruling brings long-overdue relief to landowners and farmers in West Tyrone, many of whom have lived for years under a cloud of uncertainty, unable to invest in or develop their land.

“Their livelihoods have been left in limbo. After all the disruption, anxiety, and financial hardship they’ve endured, there is now a compelling case for fair compensation, not just for lost time and plans, but for the emotional toll this long-running saga has inflicted.
 
“While the quashing of the Vesting Orders is a welcome development, farmers and landowners are still left with major uncertainties. Many are asking when they will receive their land back, whether the Department will restore it to its original condition, and what compensation will be offered for the years of disruption and lost income.”

The MP concluded: “There is also growing concern over how long contractors will remain on-site, and who authorised works to continue while legal proceedings were still ongoing. These are not minor issues, they go to the heart of fairness, accountability, and the need for immediate clarity from the Stormont Infrastructure Minister.
 
“A bigger problem remains, as we are seeing the same ideology behind this ruling, used to shape other harmful proposals like the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) regulations. These unrealistic, damaging targets won’t make a dent in global emissions, but they will hurt our local economy, rural communities and way of life. Northern Ireland deserves better, we need smart, sensible policy that delivers real solutions, rather than just ticking boxes to hit abstract targets.”