Work on the underground cable project has been underway now for five weeks and has been concentrated on areas around Enniskillen. The project involves installing over 18km of high voltage underground electricity cable and 8km of overhead lines to connect Ora More Windfarm in Belcoo to a major substation in Enniskillen.  

 

The preparatory phase of the works, carried out by NIE Networks and Mills Contracts, began in the middle of October adjacent to the South West Acute Hospital roundabout. It was initially concentrated on a section of roadway from the roundabout for a distance of 400 metres towards Enniskillen town, with work carried out at night to minimise traffic disruption during daylight hours.

 

More recently work has been taking place in the area of the Derrygonnelly Road, Enniskillen, a short distance past the entrance to Portora Royal School and it understood this work will then continue on out the Derrygonnelly Road a short distance, before going overground to Belcoo.

 

Neighbouring businessman Gerry Lilley of Fuels and Lubricants, Drumlyon, Enniskillen called the roadworks a “nuisance”, explaining that it has affected deliveries and business.

“The electric board did come out here to me, informing me what was happening, she was apologetic about it, but at the same time it is a nuisance.”

 

“It’s delays with the deliveries, but it’s also a nuisance in that it is affecting our Cash and Carry. We’re being hit both ways by it. I’m sure Una (Una Lilley, of Lilley’s Centra, Derrygonnelly Road, Enniskillen) is finding the same. Obviously we deal with the public directly so the two of us are suffering from it.”

 

In an update this week An NIE Networks spokesman confirmed work was due to finish by November 27, but Mr Lilley has his doubts.

 

“I doubt if that will be the case, they have only got out as far as the filling station.” 

He added:

 

“What baffles me it’s not even 12 months since they resurfaced the whole road from Portora out past our depot here and within 10 months they’re cutting it up again. It’s a joke.”