The Enniskillen Bypass is to be taken forward as a priority during 2022/23 for future procurement when necessary construction funding becomes available.

On Monday, August 15, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd gave his commitment to progress the development of a number of Strategic Road Improvement (SRI) schemes.

The development of contract documents are for the A1 Junctions Phase 2, A4 Enniskillen Bypass and A32 Cornamuck schemes.

Minister O’Dowd said: “With the statutory processes already completed for A1 Junctions Phase 2, A4 Enniskillen Bypass and A32 Cornamuck schemes, I am pleased to announce that these will now be prioritised in preparation for future procurement when the necessary construction funding becomes available.

“Enniskillen Southern Bypass will consist of two km of new single carriageway, with 2+1 overtaking opportunities, and an upgrade to a section of the existing A509 linking this to the A4 Sligo Road.

“It also includes a footway/cycleway link along the full length of the scheme.

“The 1.4 km A32 Cornamuck scheme is one of a number of schemes included in an A32 improvement strategy and will enhance connectivity between Omagh and Enniskillen, and serve the new acute hospital in Enniskillen.

“I have already made clear my commitment to progress flagship projects such as the A5 Western Transport Corridor, subject to completion of the statutory procedures.

“Today’s announcement is the next step in continuing to develop our strategic road network to improve road safety, enhance access to vital services, support economic development and reduce congestion in our towns and cities.”

The news was welcomed by DUP MLA Deborah Erskine who added, however, that it should have been a priority from the beginning, having first entered the planning process in 2008.

‘Unique problems’

She said: “For years, my predecessor – Arlene Foster – fought for better road networks and connectivity in this rural constituency. It is long past the time for an Infrastructure Minister to step up and realise the unique problems that face rural constituencies.

“We need better connectivity and transport. This requires ambitious investment and a more strategic approach to ensure this area has an opportunity to thrive.

“Furthermore, if we are serious about attracting new and better jobs and reforming our health service, we need proper infrastructure to do this. That is why I will continue to ensure and fight for projects like this to go ahead.

“Our rural community deserve more than a Belfast-centric approach to creating road projects,” said Mrs. Erskine.

Minister O’Dowd’s Sinn Féin colleague and MLA, Jemma Dolan, also welcomed the news. She said: “This is good news for Enniskillen and Fermanagh.

“This brings us one step closer to having the Enniskillen Bypass project finished. [Once complete] it will shorten journey times for local travellers, tourists and local businesses, and it will ease traffic congestion in Enniskillen.

“All this will help to improve life for Fermanagh residents and also help to boost the economy. When completed, the Enniskillen Southern Bypass will ... link the A509 Derrylin Road to the A4 Sligo Road.”