Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed confirmation of funding for the A4 Enniskillen Bypass which will allow the scheme to progress to procurement.
Following the Finance Minister’s proposal, the Executive has agreed to provide £16.2 million of capital funding across 2024-25 and 2025-26 and has also agreed that £12.5 million from the Mid South West Growth Deal can be released early.
Minister O’Dowd said: “Major road schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times, increase reliability and improve road safety. I am acutely aware that the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme is of significant importance to the town of Enniskillen and the surrounding area.
“The 2.1km bypass will provide a new transport link to the southern side of the town, improving connectivity between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road. The transport link will also provide 3.5km of active travel measures for walking and cycling extending along the Dublin and Derrylin roads.
“The £16.2m capital funding agreed by the Executive alongside the approved early release of £12.5m from the Mid South West City and Growth Deal, provides security of funding for the delivery of this critical infrastructure project.
“Funding certainty for this scheme will now allow procurement to commence in April 2024, and the ability of my Department to meet this timescale means that seasonal windows for earth works as well as works over and in water can be progressed to the most advantageous timeframes.
“Construction of the A4 Enniskillen Bypass will then commence in late spring/early summer 2025. This is a significant milestone in this important project which will be welcome news for the local community and businesses in Enniskillen who are supportive of this much needed project.”
Notes to editors:
- The Executive has agreed to provide £16.2 million of capital funding across 2024-25 and 2025-26. £15 million was previously committed to this project as part of New Deal funding. This funding was withdrawn by the British Government and now forms part of the financial package which accompanied the restoration of the Executive.
- The Executive has also agreed £12.5 million to be funded from the Mid South West Growth Deal can be released early. Ordinarily, a City or Growth Deal would have “Heads of Terms” agreed and a deal signed before funding begins to flow.
- Further information about the Enniskillen Bypass scheme is available on the Department’s website at: A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass - overview | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
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