The Enniskillen community is being urged to have their say on the wider benefits they want delivered as part of the A4 Enniskillen Bypass.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said this is their opportunity to derive maximum benefits from the road improvement scheme.

The construction of the new southern bypass of the Fermanagh town will begin next year.

Before appointing the main contractor, the community is asked to provide feedback on the additional benefits or social value they want to see as part of the scheme.

The survey is open online at https://tinyurl.com/bdh3k87k and will close on May 5 at 5pm.

The scheme is the first of the Department’s road projects where competitive tenders for the public contract will be assessed based on social value, cost and quality.

Mr. O’Dowd said: “Delivery of road schemes can result in disruption during the building phase.

"While the completion of the scheme will see benefits around journey times, road safety and better air quality, in recognition of the inevitable upheaval during construction, local communities should have a say on wider benefits.

“This can take many forms including employment, apprenticeship or skill development opportunities for local people. It could also be support for health and well-being initiatives or community engagement.

“Local communities know their own needs better than any of us and this is their opportunity to derive maximum benefits from this particular road improvement scheme. I encourage the local residents and the business community to take part in this public engagement exercise and provide their feedback.”