Council Chair welcomes NI Executive agreement on the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, has welcomed the NI Executive’s agreement to award more than £16m funding to enable the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass to proceed.  The announcement that the NI Executive has also agreed that the £12.5m for the scheme from the Mid South West (MSW) Growth Deal, can be released in advance of the signing of the Deal’s Heads of Terms, has also been warmly welcomed.

Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd, has confirmed that construction of the A4 Enniskillen Bypass will commence in the summer of 2025.

Speaking following the announcement, Councillor O’Reilly said:

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has lobbied extensively for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass and identified it as a key strategic project within the Mid South West (MSW) Regional Economic Strategy to enable the leveraging of significant financial investment from a range of sources to help make the proposal a reality. The awarding of funding and the Minister’s announcement on the commencement of the scheme in summer 2025 is a very positive outcome.

The Enniskillen bypass scheme is of strategic importance to Enniskillen and the wider area, with the potential to bring transformational change to the area and local communities. The scheme will provide a new transport link, directly connecting the A4 Dublin Road at the east end of Enniskillen to the A4 Sligo Road on the west of the town. This will improve road safety, reduce congestion and enhance the town centre environment by improving air quality and noise levels. In addition, new cycle ways and footways will provide sustainable and active travel options. Through improved connectivity, the scheme will make Enniskillen and the wider area more accessible, improving the overall experience for locals and visitors alike and bring tourism and economic benefits to the area.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is keen to see the project move at pace and welcomes the flexibility demonstrated by the NI Executive to enable the early release of MSW Growth Deal funding in advance of signing of Heads of Terms.  The Council looks forward to engaging with the Minister and his officials following this announcement.”