Council receives an update on key infrastructure projects for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council 2021

Date published: 20 July 2021

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council members have been updated by the Department for Infrastructure on road maintenance, improvement works and active travel schemes in 2020/21 and those planned for 2021/22.

Speaking as he addressed Council members, Divisional Roads Manager, Mr David McKinley said: 

“The 2020/21 year was unprecedented due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However we worked closely with our contractors to develop new working practices to ensure that much needed road maintenance and improvement works could proceed and as a result most of our 2020/21 programme was successfully delivered despite the absence of work over the first part of the year.

“During the year a number of significant resurfacing schemes have been completed including works to the A32 Dromore Road at Drumharvey and the A505 Barony Road.

“Minister Mallon is committed to the delivery of active travel schemes across Northern Ireland and to making walking and cycling a safer and more attractive option for people getting around. I am therefore pleased that we have also delivered a number of active travel improvements in year including shared footpath/ cycleways at Dublin Road and Old Mountfield Road in Omagh.

“As a result of £720,000 funding from the Minister’s Blue/Green Fund we will be progressing further schemes in the 2021/22 year including a further phase of the shared cycleway at Dublin Road, Omagh and upgrades to three controlled crossings on the Cornagrade Road, Enniskillen. These schemes will further enhance the active travel provision in the area.

“In the 2020/21 financial year Minister Mallon announced the roll out of part time 20mph speed limit schemes at 103 schools across Northern Ireland and I am pleased to confirm that it is the Minister’s intention to take forward a further tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at schools and all schools in the Fermanagh and Omagh area will be assessed and prioritised to inform the 2021/22 programme.”

Continuing Mr McKinley said:

“Total expenditure on street lighting during 20/21 amounted to £2,489,000 including £592,000 on energy costs and £537,000 on energy efficient LED replacement lanterns. Among the areas that received LED lighting included those on the bridges at Drumquin, Ederney and Tempo and at King James Bridge, Omagh where the unique ornate style lanterns have been maintained.

“My staff will continue to develop local transport and safety schemes and maintenance programmes to enhance safety, improve traffic progression and provide measures for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Concluding Mr McKinley said:

“I would also highlight another significant milestone in the progression of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass.  On 11 May 2021 the Minister for Infrastructure announced her decision to proceed with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass and to make the statutory orders, having considered all of the environmental information and responses to the consultation.

“The Department is also initiating a town centre study to identify active travel improvements in anticipation of reduced traffic congestion upon delivery of the bypass. The Minister has committed to work with her Executive colleagues to secure the necessary funding for construction of the bypass and the A32 Cornamuck realignment as quickly as possible.”

Notes to editors: 

  1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
  2. 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.
  3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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