WILL Transport Northern Ireland down tools in Fermanagh for the winter?
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard appeared to hint at this while answering a question from Fermanagh-south Tyrone MLA Richie McPhillips on issues with roads in the area.
During Question Time on Monday, the SDLP representative remarked: “As we approach another winter, many residents and road users have been raising concerns with me on a daily basis about the condition of the roads and the state that they will be in in a few months’ time. What assurances can the Minister give that planned work will be completed in a timely manner?”
“As divisions roll out their works programmes, it is important that they do so in a timely way,” replied Minister Hazzard. “For want of a better phrase, you get better bang for your buck when you do it when the weather is good. Carrying out such works in the winter is not productive for the Department or local communities, as you suggest.”
On the subject of flooding, Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton asked Minister Hazzard: “What extra finances were allocated directly to Rivers Agency in its quest to alleviate future flooding through managing the drainage system?” While he was not able to answer Mrs. Barton’s question, Minister Hazzard said: “I am travelling to Fermanagh this week to have a look at some of the remedial work that has taken place to future proof some of the transport corridor roads and infrastructure in Fermanagh that was badly hit, as you made reference to.I do not have the specific financial information in front of me, but I am more than happy to correspond with the Member.”
The Minister also spoke of his desire to: “Tackle an historical infrastructure deficit in the west. Whereas the Magherafelt bypass has been in the system for years, I think it is an example of the sort of project we want to see rolled out. There are other towns, such as Cookstown and Enniskillen, which need investment.”