HE may have resigned as regional development minister this week, but Danny Kennedy insists that the major road schemes he has already announced for Fermanagh “still stand.” Projects such as the next stage of the proposed £30 million southern bypass in Enniskillen and work on easing traffic flow on the Dublin Road will continue despite Mr. Kennedy quitting his role.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter on Saturday after revealing he would be tendering his resignation, Mr. Kennedy said: “All of those announcements still stand and obviously I need to work hard in the coming days to clear my desk and make sure there are no outstanding issues.” “I enjoyed enormously the challenge of being minister for regional development, and I believe I worked hard. I’ve had huge help and co-operation from many, including Tom Elliott,” he said.

Asked if work on the Johnston Bridge which resulted in long tailbacks and frustrated motorists and shops owners was a ‘shambles’, Mr. Kennedy said: “That work is now complete.” “There were issues of inconvenience and I accept that. But we are now able and in a position to move forward with a greatly enhanced bridge. This was necessary work that had to be done and I think people ultimately understand that,” he said.