After motorists experienced queues of over an hour to reach Enniskillen on Saturday, SGN Natural Gas, who are carrying out works in Enniskillen, have said that they will implement a "revised traffic management plan" this Saturday.

The delays took place on Saturday and saw traffic tailed back on the Sligo Road and Shore Road. One Impartial Reporter reader, Des Campbell, who lives near the roundabout at the end of the Sligo road took a picture of the tailback.

"I actually decided to walk to town because the traffic was so bad. It is very rare to see it tailed back so far and it was quite incredible really. You could see from the traffic the number of Southern cars, who were no doubt coming up for shopping, that were caught up in it. It highlights Enniskillen's vulnerability and the need for a bypass," he said.

The work being carried out by SGN Gas is part of an overall investment of £8m in Enniskillen and will enable businesses and homes in the west access to natural gas.

A spokesperson for SGN Gas said in a statement:

"Having reviewed our traffic management plan before commencing work again this Saturday, we are confident that any disruption which may be experienced will be significantly reduced."

The traffic congestion comes on the back of complaints from some business owners in relation to the gas works and the effect they were having on their business.

The Impartial Reporter asked several questions to SGN Natural Gas concerning the works including if the work could be done at night to avoid disruption to business:

In its response the company explained that "there is an added health and safety element to carrying out work in the dark".

"The development of natural gas infrastructure includes operating heavy machinery and daytime works are the safest way to progress with construction. There is a level of noise from construction work and machinery which could cause unnecessary disruption at night for people living in surrounding streets" it stated.

The company also contended that productivity would be unduly affected if the work was only carried out at night and on a Sunday, and that the works have been planned to be finished before the Enniskillen Public realm Scheme begins.

"It is imperative that our timelines are expedited as soon as possible to allow other utilities and service providers access to commence their respective works," a spokesperson explained.

Noelle McAloon, Enniskillen BID manager, has welcomed the fact that business owners will have access to gas when the scheme is complete and said it will be "hugely important to the economy of Enniskillen and provide more choice for those trading here."

Concerning the disruption that some business owners have said the works are causing she asked businesses to get in touch with any concerns:

"Enniskillen BID has been assured that any potential disruption will be managed, access to businesses will be facilitated at all times and all work is being completed in sections. Enniskillen BID is here to assist business owners and we ask them to get in touch if they need support during the work."