A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass - overview

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DfI Roads Western Division are progressing the design and development of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass between the A4 Dublin road and the A4 Sligo Road.

Details of the scheme and development of scheme assessment reports are detailed below.

The proposed scheme

The proposed Enniskillen bypass 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, which will include the following:

Construction of 2.1km single carriageway with overtaking lanes provided at each end of the new road;
Construction of two roundabouts at the Dublin Road and Derrylin Road;
Construction of two new river bridges over the River Erne and River Sillees;
Provision of a 3.5m cycleway / footway along the full length of the Bypass and extending along the Dublin Road and Derrylin Road to connect into existing non-motorised user infrastructure; and
Enhancement of non-motorised user facilities to include the provision of a Puffin crossing on the Derrylin Road.

In addition, there are a number of scheme specific objectives which also assist in meeting the strategic guidance. These are to:

Provide a strategic link for traffic wishing to bypass Enniskillen Town Centre;
Reduce town centre congestion and enhance the town centre environment;
Improve journey times and reliability;
Improve road safety for all road users;
Provide a good return on investment; and
Respect and maintain the environment in the area surrounding the bypass.

Current position

Social Value Engagement

The Department is currently finalising the work necessary to start procurement for the construction of the project. A requirement of the procurement process is to include Social Value, the extra value generated by an organisation through the delivery of a project which has a wider community benefit.

To maximise the social, economic and environmental benefits of the A4 Enniskillen Bypass, we prepared an engagement survey for local residents, businesses, and parties interested in the local community, in order to collect feedback on what Social Value you would like to be delivered during construction. We wanted to know what themes you believe will have the largest benefit to this community. This input will help us deliver meaningful Social Value outcomes as part of the scheme.

On 20 February 2024 the Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd confirmed his intention to proceed with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme to progress to procurement and construction.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon confirmed on 11 May 2021 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 Departmental Statement was also published at this stage.

A town centre study is ongoing to identify active travel and place making measures that can be implemented after the Bypass has been delivered and traffic congestion within the town has been relieved.

The Minister's statement also confirmed that £2million has been approved to progress advance site works which includes site clearance, fencing and NIE diversionary works.

Progression to procurement and construction will however be subject to the availability of future funding.

Procurement - October 2024

The Procurement process commenced on 30 April 2024, Stage 1, Prequalification Questionnaire (PQQ) has now been concluded with Stage 2 commencing on the 5th September 2024. A shortlist of contractors have now been invited to bid for the contract allowing construction to commence Spring/Summer 2025.

A video of the proposed scheme is also available below.

Cost

The indicative cost of the Enniskillen Southern bypass is estimated to be in the range of £36 million.

Scheme documents

Updated October 2024

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