O’Dowd updates Mid Ulster District Council on key infrastructure projects

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has attended a meeting of Mid Ulster District Council to discuss key infrastructure projects within their area.

Following the meeting Minister O’Dowd said:

“I welcomed the opportunity to update Members of Mid Ulster District Council on the latest position with a number of important infrastructure projects including the A5 and Cookstown Bypass scheme. 

“The A5 dual carriageway is essential, first and foremost to improve road safety.  I am acutely aware of the collision history along the existing A5 road with at least 32 lives lost since 2011.  Every one of these deaths is a tragedy and my sincere condolences go out to all those affected. 

“The A5 is also a strategically important route that will contribute to economic growth and improve connectivity across the island so it is important that it moves forward without further delay.  My officials have been working closely with the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) and I am pleased to say that a reconvened public inquiry will be held in January 2023.  Receipt of the PAC’s final report should then allow a new Ministerial decision to be taken and, subject to the successful completion of all the necessary statutory processes and environmental assessments, construction could then commence in 2024.

“I am also fully aware of the importance of the Bypass scheme to the town of Cookstown and the surrounding area.  My officials are continuing to liaise with key stakeholders and landowners and have considered feedback provided on the preferred route of the scheme which was announced last year. The specimen design for the Cookstown Bypass scheme is well advanced and the next stages of development will include a draft Direction Order, draft Vesting Order and Environmental Impact Assessment.  It is anticipated these will be ready for publishing during summer 2023.  I am aware of the potential inclusion of the Cookstown Bypass in the Mid-South West Growth deal. My Department will continue to work closely with the Council on this issue.”

Notes to editors: 

1. On completion, the A5 WTC project will provide 85 kilometres of new high standard dual carriageway between New Buildings and just south of Aughnacloy.
2. In September 2020, the Department received an Interim Report from the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) on its findings from the Public Inquiry held in February and March 2020. It contained two key recommendations, in relation to the need for further assessments on (a) flood risk and (b) scheme alternatives.
3. The PAC adjourned the Public Inquiry to allow these recommendations to be incorporated into a new addendum to the Environmental Statement and made available for further public consultation.
4. A new Environmental Statement Addendum and associated documentation were published on 16 March of this year, commencing a consultation process that concluded on 6 May.  The representations (220 in all) have been collated and the PAC has now confirmed that the reconvened public inquiry will be held in January 2023.
5. The Cookstown Bypass scheme provides a significant opportunity to remove strategic traffic from the town centre of Cookstown, which will offer huge potential to reshape the town providing active travel and place making measures.  Development of the scheme design is well advanced with a Bypass route of approx. 4km in length and is proposed to be a single carriageway with overtaking lane opportunities in both directions. A Footway/cycleway will also be provided along its entire length connecting into the existing network.
6. In parallel with design development of the Bypass scheme, it is also proposed to commission a separate feasibility study on how the decongestion benefits of the proposed bypass can facilitate the enhancement and reshaping of Cookstown town centre to promote sustainable travel choices, connect people and communities and create a thriving and liveable space.
7. The timescales for progressing to procurement and construction will depend upon on a number of factors including the need for a public inquiry, the successful completion of statutory procedures and the availability of funding in future years.
8. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
9. 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.
10. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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