A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass - overview

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.

Social Value Engagement

Social Value Engagement was carried out which will be taken forward into the contract delivery.

Current position

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.

An earlier  town centre study carried out identified potential active travel and place making measures that could be implemented after the Bypass has been delivered and traffic congestion within the town relieved. This work has now been updated by the Active Travel Delivery Plan (ATDP) network map for Enniskillen, which will  in turn be incorporated into the Fermanagh Omagh Transport Plan (FOTP).  The FOTP will provide the overarching framework for all transport modes across the local network, guiding policy and investment to 2035.  The ATDP will form a key part of this, ensuring active travel is integrated with and complements other modes to support a more connected and sustainable transport system.

Procurement 

The Procurement process commenced on 30 April 2024, Stage 1, Prequalification Questionnaire (PQQ) has now been concluded with Stage 2, Invitation to Tender (ITT) commencing on the 5th September 2024 and closing on 6 February 2026. A shortlist of contractors were invited to bid for the contract with the aim of allowing construction to commence Spring/Summer 2025. However, due to the A5 judgement, contract award was deferred with legal advice being sought on a way forward.

A5 Western Transport Corridor – Legal Challenge

The issues being examined in the A5WTC case are relevant to approval of all major infrastructure projects and it is therefore considered appropriate not to make decisions on these projects until we have the clarity that final determination of these proceedings should provide. Taking decisions on other major projects at this stage could introduce uncertainty and increase the risk of similar legal challenges arising.

Until the legal proceedings are finally determined, and legal clarity provided, all major schemes may be affected in the same way. Moving ahead at this time could result in further delay.

Whilst we appreciate that this decision will be disappointing for all those who are keen to see the bypass built, we remain committed to the delivery of the scheme and to ensure work on the scheme was not lost as a result of the A5 appeal,  the Minister instructed officials to extend the Tender Validity Period for this procurement until the end of June 2026. 

The Minister of Finance has also confirmed that projects for which there is an Executive Commitment, such as the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass will receive the ringfenced funding in future years

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

• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Departmental Statement
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Scheme assessment report 1
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Scheme assessment report 2
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Record of Determination
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Non Technical Summary
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Composite Notice
• A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass - River Sillees Bridge Order
• A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass - River Erne Bridge Order
• A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass - River Erne (Diversion of Navigable Watercourse and Extinguishment of Public Rights of Navigation) Order
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Vesting Order map
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Direction Order map
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Environmental Impact Assessment Report
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Environmental Impact Assessment Appendices
• A4 Enniskillen Bypass - Overall Plan

Updated May 2026