Work on Enniskillen Bypass to start next year as Stormont confirms funding

A CGI image of how a section of the A4 Southern Bypass might look

Work on the new A4 Enniskillen bypass could start early next year after Stormont’s Department for Infrastructure confirmed it had agreed to pay £16million towards the project.

The Enniskillen bypass was first proposed in 2006, and despite preliminary works having begun in 2022, the project had been at a standstill as it awaited funding from Stormont.

Media reports last year suggested that funding for the project had been withdrawn by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, in a response to an overspend by Stormont in the last financial year.

However, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd confirmed the funding for the bypass which will allow the scheme to progress to procurement.

The Executive has agreed to provide £16.2 million of capital funding across 2024-25 and 2025-26 and has also agreed that £12.5 million from the Mid South West Growth Deal can be released early.

Work on procurement for the project is set to commence in April.

Minister O’Dowd said: “Major road schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times, increase reliability and improve road safety. I am acutely aware that the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme is of significant importance to the town of Enniskillen and the surrounding area.

“The 2.1km bypass will provide a new transport link to the southern side of the town, improving connectivity between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road. The transport link will also provide 3.5km of active travel measures for walking and cycling extending along the Dublin and Derrylin roads.

“The £16.2m capital funding agreed by the Executive alongside the approved early release of £12.5m from the Mid South West City and Growth Deal, provides security of funding for the delivery of this critical infrastructure project.

“Funding certainty for this scheme will now allow procurement to commence in April 2024, and the ability of my Department to meet this timescale means that seasonal windows for earth works as well as works over and in water can be progressed to the most advantageous timeframes.

“Construction of the A4 Enniskillen Bypass will then commence in late spring/early summer 2025. This is a significant milestone in this important project which will be welcome news for the local community and businesses in Enniskillen who are supportive of this much needed project.”

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