The Minister said: "I asked to meet with those contractors who are involved in the A5 scheme to discuss the impact of the Court ruling on their businesses.
"My Department is now in the process of carrying out a fuller assessment under the Habitats Directive. Alongside that work, I am urgently looking to see what other schemes could be brought forward to ensure that we do everything possible to support local construction jobs.
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"This week, letters will be issued to local landowners affected by the scheme to explain the next steps. My officials will be happy to discuss each case on an individual basis and I want to assure landowners that we will deal with the matter of ownership sensitively.
"I will also be meeting with the Ulster's Farmers Union this week to discuss issues affecting their members."
(CD)
