LOCAL motorists are set to benefit from a multi-million pound road improvement scheme on the A32 carriageway,North of Enniskillen.

Two projects are already under development at Cornamuck, between Dromore and Irvinestown and Kilgortnaleague near Sydare on the main Enniskillen to Omagh road. 

 

The Cornamuck scheme involves the provision of 1.4km of realigned single carriageway, and is likely to cost £6 million.

 

The Kilgortnaleague scheme is currently under development and involves the realignment of 2km of single carriageway, and will cost in the range of £7 million. 

 

In a letter to local councillor Raymond Farrell, Minister for Infrastructure, MLA Chris Hazzard said “I have tasked my officials to begin drawing up a new suite of transportation plans, including the A32, and this work is ongoing.” 

 

“My department plans to resurface two stretches of the A32 between Dromore and Irvinestown before the end of the current financial year. These schemes will cost approximately £200k and will cover a length of around 1km.”

 

Councillor Raymond Farrell welcomes the funding which has been earmarked for infrastructure projects and hopes that the improvements to infrastructure will bring more business to Fermanagh.

 

“Research shows that where there is good roads, there is a boost to the local economy. In a past report published by the former Fermanagh council, progressing the Enniskillen Southern bypass had the potential to boost the local economy by up to £2.5 million a year. 

 

It is clear improving our roads in the west has a definite potential to make our region economically more competitive as well as boost local construction companies and workers.

 

While this is a step in the right direction, further work also needs to be done to further improve the accessibility to the county.

 

“I am on record as lobbying to see investment on the A32 and this has met with some success but clearly more must be done to improve the network between our hospital network from Enniskillen, Omagh and Londonderry,” said Mr Farrell.

 

“I think serious discussion also needs to progress on the A4 corridor as far back as the closure of the railways, we were promised an extension of the M1 motorway.

 

Clearly the West needs the increased investment to boost the local economy, improve travel and speed times between towns and cities.

 

Progress has been made from the days of Direct rule where serious under investment occurred in our roads network.

 

I hope this financial boost will see further investment in the west,” added Raymond Farrell.