Site clearance on a major road improvement scheme on the A32 between Omagh and Enniskillen costing £5 million has begun, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has confirmed.

“The Direction and Vesting Orders have been made and site clearance works completed for a road improvement scheme at Cornamuck, on the A32 between Omagh and Enniskillen.

“My Department is currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan,” she said.

Minister Mallon explained to Ulster Unionist's Rosemary Barton that potential road and public transport projects, including the A32 improvements, are being tested against a framework of economic, environmental and social objectives, including safety and connectivity.

“I expect to consider draft proposals and options in line with my priorities to address regional imbalance, improve connectivity across Northern Ireland and improve lives and opportunities.

“Once I have identified my preferred options and priorities, I intend to issue a draft plan for public consultation later this year. It is, therefore, too early to comment on the progression of specific schemes,” she said.

Sinn Fein’s Sean Lynch asked Minister Mallon whether she plans to release funding for the necessary upgrades of the A32 from Omagh to Enniskillen..

“A route improvement strategy for the A32 road between Omagh and Enniskillen has been developed and it contains nine schemes. Two schemes, costing approximately £10m have been delivered. A third scheme is underway and has completed the necessary statutory processes and design stage.

Recognising the importance of investment in water and roads infrastructure, I am committed to working to find solutions that deliver better results for our communities and improve lives across Northern Ireland. I will be assessing capital pressures across my Department including commitments made in New Decade: New Approach within the budget made available to me for the period ahead. It is therefore too early to comment on specific schemes such as the A32 - Omagh to Enniskillen,” she said.

Minister Mallon was also asked by Mrs. Barton for an update on the replacement of Roscor Viaduct.

She replied: “A detailed inspection of Rosscor viaduct was carried out in 2016. This included an examination of the extent of corrosion on the bridge and an underwater inspection of the bridge foundations.

“An options study to determine the most appropriate means of strengthening the bridge and replacing the missing northern span, currently accommodated by the temporary Bailey bridge, is now nearing completion,” she said.

Minister Mallon explained that progression of a scheme thereafter will depend on the availability of funding and the priority of the scheme when compared with other competing projects.

“I would like to be able to do much more bridge strengthening and maintenance work, and indeed work relating to many other responsibilities of my Department, but my capacity to do so is limited due to the severe budget constraints that I have inherited,” she said.