Menu
22/03/2024
Ministers Commit To Delivery Of Key Social And Economic Projects
The Infrastructure and Finance Ministers have outlined their joint commitment to delivering projects that will bring social and economic benefits for communities across the north.
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd and Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald made the commitment during a visit to the site of the proposed A4 Enniskillen Bypass following recent confirmation of funding to deliver the scheme.
Minister O'Dowd said: "Investing in our infrastructure is critical if we are to build the foundations for better rural and urban communities. Providing more efficient, accessible and inclusive transport options and removing traffic congestion from our cities, towns and villages will help to support the creation of new business and leisure opportunities. It all starts with infrastructure and the Enniskillen Bypass is an example of the type of project that can bring about all of these benefits. The 2.1km bypass will improve connectivity by creating a new transport link and will enhance the town centre environment by improving air quality and noise levels. Importantly it will also provide 3.5km of active travel measures for walking and cycling extending along the Dublin and Derrylin roads.
"My Department has worked diligently over recent years to complete all the statutory processes for this significant project. I am pleased that following the Finance Minister's proposal last month the confirmation of Executive funding, alongside the early release of funding from the Mid South West Growth Deal, will allow us to now commence procurement with a view to construction commencing in late spring/early summer next year.
"I will continue to work closely with my Executive colleagues and council partners to deliver projects that will bring about positive changes for communities across the north."
Minister Archibald said: "Tackling regional imbalance is the key to prosperity and I was pleased, following my proposal, the Executive agreed the additional funding for the A4 Enniskillen Bypass. The project will help to provide a new transport link to the town and improve the connection between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road. This vital investment, through the Mid South West Growth Deal, will be transformational for the Mid South West region and will help to attract new investment, which will benefit both local businesses and communities.
"I would like to thank all those involved in bringing the project to this point."
Councillor Errol Thompson, Chair of the Mid South West Region Governance Steering Group, said: "I am delighted that funding has been secured to progress the construction of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass Scheme. It is also welcoming that the Northern Ireland Executive has demonstrated flexibility and commitment to the scheme by agreeing to the early release of the £12.5 million investment from the Mid South West Growth Deal in advance of the signing of the Deal's Heads of Terms.
"This is a significant scheme for Enniskillen and the wider Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area as it will help to improve connectivity, travel times and safety on this busy road. One of the pillars of the Mid South West Growth Deal is Enabling Infrastructure which is critical to driving economic growth and helping the region realise its growth potential. This scheme will contribute to the achievement of this and will be a welcome boost to the local economy as it will unlock opportunities for businesses and communities in Enniskillen and the surrounding towns and villages."
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd and Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald made the commitment during a visit to the site of the proposed A4 Enniskillen Bypass following recent confirmation of funding to deliver the scheme.
Minister O'Dowd said: "Investing in our infrastructure is critical if we are to build the foundations for better rural and urban communities. Providing more efficient, accessible and inclusive transport options and removing traffic congestion from our cities, towns and villages will help to support the creation of new business and leisure opportunities. It all starts with infrastructure and the Enniskillen Bypass is an example of the type of project that can bring about all of these benefits. The 2.1km bypass will improve connectivity by creating a new transport link and will enhance the town centre environment by improving air quality and noise levels. Importantly it will also provide 3.5km of active travel measures for walking and cycling extending along the Dublin and Derrylin roads.
"My Department has worked diligently over recent years to complete all the statutory processes for this significant project. I am pleased that following the Finance Minister's proposal last month the confirmation of Executive funding, alongside the early release of funding from the Mid South West Growth Deal, will allow us to now commence procurement with a view to construction commencing in late spring/early summer next year.
"I will continue to work closely with my Executive colleagues and council partners to deliver projects that will bring about positive changes for communities across the north."
Minister Archibald said: "Tackling regional imbalance is the key to prosperity and I was pleased, following my proposal, the Executive agreed the additional funding for the A4 Enniskillen Bypass. The project will help to provide a new transport link to the town and improve the connection between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road. This vital investment, through the Mid South West Growth Deal, will be transformational for the Mid South West region and will help to attract new investment, which will benefit both local businesses and communities.
"I would like to thank all those involved in bringing the project to this point."
Councillor Errol Thompson, Chair of the Mid South West Region Governance Steering Group, said: "I am delighted that funding has been secured to progress the construction of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass Scheme. It is also welcoming that the Northern Ireland Executive has demonstrated flexibility and commitment to the scheme by agreeing to the early release of the £12.5 million investment from the Mid South West Growth Deal in advance of the signing of the Deal's Heads of Terms.
"This is a significant scheme for Enniskillen and the wider Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area as it will help to improve connectivity, travel times and safety on this busy road. One of the pillars of the Mid South West Growth Deal is Enabling Infrastructure which is critical to driving economic growth and helping the region realise its growth potential. This scheme will contribute to the achievement of this and will be a welcome boost to the local economy as it will unlock opportunities for businesses and communities in Enniskillen and the surrounding towns and villages."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 October 2024
Two Major City Deals Given Green Light
The City Growth Deals in the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West regions will go ahead, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced. There are four Northern Ireland City Deals but two of these, Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West, were put on hold earlier this month as the Government reviewed its spending.
Two Major City Deals Given Green Light
The City Growth Deals in the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West regions will go ahead, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced. There are four Northern Ireland City Deals but two of these, Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West, were put on hold earlier this month as the Government reviewed its spending.
20 September 2024
Finance Minister Calls For Immediate Lift On Growth Deal Pause
The Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has urged the British Government to end the current pause on the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals. Following a meeting with UK government officials on Wednesday, Dr Archibald emphasized the vital role these deals play in driving economic growth and creating jobs in the region.
Finance Minister Calls For Immediate Lift On Growth Deal Pause
The Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has urged the British Government to end the current pause on the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals. Following a meeting with UK government officials on Wednesday, Dr Archibald emphasized the vital role these deals play in driving economic growth and creating jobs in the region.
16 October 2013
£1m Carrier Bag Levy To Transform Environmental Projects
£1m received through the carrier bag levy has been allocated by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan to go towards a fund to tackle environmental issues in Northern Ireland. The Challenge Fund provides funding for communities and organisations to develop local environmental projects across the region.
£1m Carrier Bag Levy To Transform Environmental Projects
£1m received through the carrier bag levy has been allocated by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan to go towards a fund to tackle environmental issues in Northern Ireland. The Challenge Fund provides funding for communities and organisations to develop local environmental projects across the region.
02 March 2012
NI Buildings In Line For Awards
The new Lyric Theatre in Belfast and the newly restored St Columb's Cathedral, the oldest building in Londonderry, are amongst 20 stunning building projects in the running for the prestigious RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland Awards 2012.
NI Buildings In Line For Awards
The new Lyric Theatre in Belfast and the newly restored St Columb's Cathedral, the oldest building in Londonderry, are amongst 20 stunning building projects in the running for the prestigious RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland Awards 2012.
16 February 2010
Stormont Executive Is 'Building For Future'
Construction work on the new South West Hospital in Enniskillen and new Health and Wellbeing Centres that are underway in west Belfast were yesterday highlighted as two examples of success by the NI Executive. Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has used these projects to attack those who have criticised the performance of the Executive.
Stormont Executive Is 'Building For Future'
Construction work on the new South West Hospital in Enniskillen and new Health and Wellbeing Centres that are underway in west Belfast were yesterday highlighted as two examples of success by the NI Executive. Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has used these projects to attack those who have criticised the performance of the Executive.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
