Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy met with representatives of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) on the A5 scheme.

The Minister said: "During the meeting, the UFU wanted a commitment from my Department to ensure that all those landowners and farmers affected by the court ruling, are dealt with sympathetically and with the minimum of disruption in the months ahead.

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"The UFU also raised a number of concerns from their members and in particular the uncertainty they face over what happens next. Letters have been issued to all landowners affected which set out a number of options. I want to make it clear that each case will be dealt with on an individual basis and anyone who has any concerns should contact Roads Service staff on the numbers provided in the letter.

"As my Department progresses its work to carry out a fuller assessment under the Habitats Directive, I will continue to urgently look at which other schemes could possibly be brought forward to ensure that we do everything possible to support local construction jobs."

(CD/H)