Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Fermanagh District Council, the Minister said: “Work will commence this year on the road widening scheme at Henry Street, Enniskillen, where it is proposed to provide an additional lane on the western approach to the town. This scheme, which is estimated to cost £1.7million, will assist in reducing the traffic queues that currently exist at peak times on Henry Street/Sligo Road.”
Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Pat Doherty welcomed the continued high level of investment in the Fermanagh District Council area and identified a number of other schemes which will be taken forward in the area in the 2007/2008 financial year. These include the 2+1 overtaking lane on the A4 at Faughard and the provision of a roundabout at the A32/B82 junction at Trory. Resurfacing schemes will also be carried out on the A32 Irvinestown Road at Thornhill and the A509 Derrylin Road at Drumbrughas.
Mr Doherty said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it gears up to deliver a demanding programme of Strategic Road Improvements while planning to restructure in line with the outcome of the Review of Public Administration.
“The Strategic Road Improvement Programme envisages an investment of £1.4billion in the period up to 2015. Around £1billion of these schemes have already been identified and a consultation on a further £400million of schemes was completed at the end of 2006. In addition, the National Development Plan 2007-2013, contains proposals on the inter-urban routes linking the main population centres of Dublin, Belfast and the North West.
“It is also proposed that the Review of Public Administration will see responsibility for the maintenance and development of local roads, approximately 23,700km of the total 25,000km of public roads, transfer to the seven new councils in May 2009.
“Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Fermanagh Council area. To minimise the disruption that will arise from our works we will also be making every effort to give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports.’’
Mr Doherty also took the opportunity to highlight some of the schemes taken forward in 2006/07. These included the provision of a right turn lane and improved visibility at Ballycassidy Bridge, as well as traffic calming schemes at Brookeborough, Clabby and the Coleshill/Windmill Heights/Rossory Church Road area in Enniskillen. Significant resurfacing schemes were also completed on the A509 Derrylin Road at Kinglass and on the A46 Lough Shore Road at Corry, Belleek and Binmore.
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies or Michaela Smyth, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, 02890 540887.
