The Ulster Farmers’ Union has expressed ‘deep frustration’ after trying to engage with Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI) over land impacted by the A5 road scheme.
Following the High Court of Northern Ireland decision to overturn the road projects vesting order, the union accused the DfI of ‘yet again showing a complete lack of communication and accountability’.
UFU policy and communications director James McCluggage said: ‘The UFU repeatedly raised concerns about the Department’s dismissive approach toward landowners, long before the court’s ruling. Now, weeks after, affected farmers remain in the dark, unsure if, when, or how their land will be reinstated.
'While a generic letter outlining vague “options” has been issued, there has been no follow-up, no direct engagement, and no answers to the critical questions landowners are asking. They are unable to plan for the future of their businesses.'
Mr McCluggage said hundreds of farm businesses have been 'held hostage by indecision and silence'.
'DfI needs to urgently reach out and contact the landowners directly and provide clear guidance,' he concluded.
A spokesperson for the DfI said: 'Following the court ruling, correspondence was issued to all affected landowners outlining the Department’s approach to managing the return of vested lands following the quashing of the orders. This communication details the options available to landowners in relation to their property.'
'In addition, officials met with all known land agents and representatives from the Ulster Farmers’ Union in July. Meetings with individual landowners are also being set up to assist with this process.'
