In welcome news for investment in Fermanagh, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon confirmed today (Tuesday) her intention to proceed with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme and make the statutory orders, having considered all of the environmental information and responses to the consultation of the scheme and the draft orders.

The long awaited bypass will provide a direct link between the A4 Dublin Road to the east of the town and the A4 Belcoo Road to the west via the A509 Derrylin Road, and onwards to Sligo and is estimated to cost between £25-30 million.

The project will involved the construction of new carriageway, cycleways/footways, roundabouts and river bridges.

Minister Mallon said: “I have made it plain that my focus is on doing what I can to improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland. I have made clear my commitment to making road improvements to tackle regional imbalance, improving the economy, job opportunities, connecting communities and improving road safety. In June last year, I asked officials to work at pace to continue the development of a number of strategic road schemes, including the Enniskillen Southern Bypass. The necessary scheme development work has now been completed and I am pleased to announce a decision to proceed with the scheme in Enniskillen.”

Continuing, the Minister said: “I acutely recognise that this scheme is of significant importance to the town of Enniskillen and the surrounding area. It will provide a new transport link to the southern side of the town, improving the connection between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road. The bypass will also help to significantly alleviate traffic congestion in Enniskillen town centre, reducing delays, improving average journey times by approximately 50 per cent and improving road safety.

“To reshape our places and kick start our green recovery, I am also pleased to announced that as part of my commitment to deliver green and sustainable infrastructure this scheme will also serve to enhance the town centre environment by improving air quality and noise levels and will see the introduction of active travel measures to enhance the experience of locals and visitors alike.”

Progression of the scheme to construction stage will be subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures, and in securing the necessary funding in future years.

DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, First Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the significant announcement to proceed on the Enniskillen By-pass, made by the Infrastructure Minister today.

Mrs. Foster said, “At long last the Enniskillen Southern By-pass is finally getting the green light. This day has been a long time coming. It is something I have been pushing for throughout the last 15 years. Therefore, I am so pleased to hear that the Infrastructure Minister has now agreed to proceed.

"Anyone who is local to Fermanagh or indeed has driven into Enniskillen, will understand how beneficial this particular road infrastructure will be. Congestion and grid-lock has become common part in Enniskillen during busy periods. This does not help our environment, nor our economy. Better infrastructure is desperately needed.

"I recently called on Minister Mallon to give a Ministerial statement to detail what her department has done to date on the Enniskillen by-pass. Today that statement has come forward, which signals good news. This project commenced in 2006 and eventually got budget approval last June. With almost twelve months since then, it is about high time the people of Fermanagh heard some better news, on their road infrastructures. 

"This project has had a wealth of support. I am scheduled to meet with Minister Mallon in June and will continue to ensure this project is completed.”