WHILE work at the new South West College building is progressing on schedule, there are now doubts over a planned footbridge linking the new college with Enniskillen town centre will go ahead.

The redevelopment of the old Erne Hospital site is at an advanced stage, with the new Erne Campus on schedule to receive its first intake of students in September 2020. 

However, when first announced, there was an ambitious plan to build a footbridge linking the new college with the town centre, while also servicing the Health Centre and Erne Road. The College has confirmed that funding for this part of the ambitious project has not yet been found which casts doubt over the provision of the footbridge. 

The idea of the footbridge was welcomed following fears that the relocation of the college would impact on business in Enniskillen.

Local councillor Paul Blake said it would be disappointing if funding for the footbridge is not allocated. “The Cornagrade Road is under enough pressure as it is, without the increased amount of traffic that is going to come from the new college. I think the college should be doing everything possible to try and source funding. 

“It will be vitally important for a link to the town centre, but it would also help to elevate congestion in that area of the town. We hope the college can find funding from somewhere to build this footbridge as it would be positive for the whole town.”

A spokesperson for SWC confirmed that funding for the footbridge has not been identified, and explained, “Any initiatives that enhance connectivity between the new Erne Campus and the amenities located Enniskillen town centre will increase the quality of experience for all working and studying at the Erne site. Therefore, South West College remains committed to sourcing funding for a footbridge linking the site to the town centre”.