THE announcement by the Infrastructure Minister of her intention to proceed with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme has been widely welcomed.

On Tuesday, Minister Nichola Mallon said she would 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 include the construction of a new carriageway, cycleways/footways, roundabouts and river bridges.

DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, First Minister Arlene Foster; Sinn Féin MLA, Jemma Dolan; and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council SDLP Councillor, Paul Blake, all welcomed the significant announcement.

Mrs. Foster said: “At long last, the Enniskillen Southern Bypass is finally getting the green light. This day has been a long time coming. It is something I have been pushing for throughout the past 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 gridlock has become common 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 bypass.

“Today, that statement has come forward, which signals good news. This project commenced in 2006, and eventually got budget approval last June. With almost 12 months since then, it is high time the people of Fermanagh heard some better news on their road infrastructure. 

“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,” she said.

The announcement came on the day Miss Dolan had tabled a motion for debate at Stormont.

She said: “This is great news for Enniskillen and the local area. This scheme will cut air pollution and congestion in Enniskillen town, while enjoying the overwhelming support of the local area.

“My constituency is one of the worst areas deprived of modern, decent roads. In order to drive regional balance, we need to invest in the right infrastructure that helps us achieve that. 

“I will continue to push for the delivery of this vital scheme.”

Councillor Blake said the announcement is a “huge step forward” and will play a vital role in reducing congestion in Enniskillen as well as improving connectivity across county Fermanagh.

“The news that the Minister will also continue to explore ways in which the town centre can be improved so that we see more people living in, working in and visiting our town as walkers and cyclists is also very welcome, and I look forward to working with her to deliver more for our town and county.” 

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 kickstart 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.