£5.97 million investment in Fermanagh and Omagh roads brings benefits to communities - Hazzard

A £5.97 million investment in Fermanagh and Omagh roads over the past year is bringing real benefits for local communities, says Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard.

Confirming an investment of £5.97 million on road schemes in the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area during the 2015-2016 financial year, Minister Hazzard said: 

“Improving transport connections along our key routes while maintaining a network which is fit for purpose for all users is a priority for the Executive.

“Investment of £5.97 million in Fermanagh and Omagh over the past year is making a real difference for local communities, improving road safety and reducing journey times for local people, as well ensuring the road network is maintained for the future.”

The Minister said: 

“The recent announcement of an additional £28 million for my Department is a welcome boost and while it is necessary to prioritise activity, a significant part of this will be used to improve rural roads and roads maintenance.

“Improving transport connections is vital. The Executive has already made clear that flagship projects, like the A5, are key to building connectivity and unlocking economic potential. I want to continue to assure of my commitment to deliver on this and other hugely significant projects that will finally address the historical infrastructure deficit west of the Bann.

“Construction of the first phase of the A5 Western Transport Corridor, from Newbuildings to north of Strabane, is due to begin in 2017 subject to the successful completion of the statutory procedures. However, I am currently looking at how funding could be increased to expedite delivery of the A5 scheme. Enniskillen Southern Bypass is also progressing to the next stage with development of the draft statutory Orders and Environmental Statement.”

TransportNI Western Division Manager, Conor Loughrey attended today’s Council meeting and highlighted a number of other improvement and maintenance schemes completed during 2015-2016. He also clarified the current position in relation to grass cutting services saying:

“All roadside verges and sightline grass will be cut at least once in the period April to October. To ensure public safety is not compromised, sightlines will be cut as required throughout the season.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The following schemes were completed in 2015-2016:

• £2.44 million resurfacing 56.29 kilometres of carriageway in the area
• a cycle track A5 Dublin Road, Omagh to A505 Crevenagh Road, Omagh providing a link to existing cycling provision to schools in the area and to Crevenagh Road Park and Ride at a cost of £75,000
• a cycle track on B80 Tempo Road, Enniskillen from Cherrymount Link Road to the signalised junction with Castlecoole Road providing a link to existing cycling provision to schools in the area at a cost of £120,000
• a junction improvement scheme to improve sight lines at B36 Dernawilt Road at its junction with Tattycam Road at a cost of £25,000
• footway schemes completed at:
  • A32 Aughadulla Road
  • B158 Donaghanie Road, Omagh
  • C627 Deverney Road, Omagh
  • B142 Lacky Road and Tattycam Road, Aghadrumsee
  • B143 Mageraveely Road, Newtownbutler
  • U9014 Kilsmullen Road, Lack at a total cost of £98,000
• traffic calming measures introduced at:
  • Chanterhill, Enniskillen
  • Strule Park and Centenary Park, Omagh
  • Makenny Road, Ballinamallard
• the pelican crossings at:
  • Forthill Street, Enniskillen
  • James Street, Omagh
  • Campsie Road, Omagh have been upgraded to Puffin crossings
• Safer Routes to schools measures have been provided at Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, Kilskeery
• in February 2016, a new Environmental Statement and draft Orders were published for the A5 Western Transport Corridor. A Public Inquiry has been programmed for autumn 2016. Subject to the successful completion of all the statutory procedures, construction can begin. 

2. Media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure press office on 028 9054 0007. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.

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