A5 decision is vital to Northern Ireland’s economic future, says Logistics UK

Commenting on the decision by the Court of Appeal to overturn a ruling blocking work commencing on the A5 Western Transport Corridor in Northern Ireland, Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher said:

“The Court of Appeal’s decision is hugely significant for Northern Ireland and removes what is hopefully the final roadblock for the creation of an efficient A5 Western Transport Corridor. After years of uncertainty, the priority must now be getting this vital road upgrade built, improving safety, strengthening connectivity and unlocking economic opportunities for communities and businesses along the route.

“Logistics is fundamental to Northern Ireland’s economy, employing around 65,000 people and supporting more than 6,000 businesses involved in making, selling and moving goods.  Northern Ireland is also considerably more dependent on road freight than other parts of the UK, with many of the goods the country relies upon moved from ports and airports by road to manufacturers, businesses, schools and hospitals so a safe, efficient and resilient road network is essential to future economic growth and prosperity.

“The A5 upgrade will be one of Northern Ireland’s biggest road schemes and is exactly the type of ambitious infrastructure project that will help businesses strengthen supply chains and create the connectivity needed to drive growth across the region.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk