CONSTRUCTION work on the Enniskillen Bypass is finally expected to begin at the start of this summer, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed.
The Department has also refuted local rumours that funding for the bridge element of the major construction project had been diverted elsewhere.
After decades of unrealised promises and commitments, the first diggers moved in to prepare the way for the long-awaited 2.1km transport link back in early 2022, after £2 million in funding was released for the work.
It had previously been forecast the project, which is aimed at improving connectivity between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road, will cost between £25-50 million. The rising costs of construction in recent years is expected to push this towards the higher end of that estimate.
It had also previously been predicted that construction work would begin in March 2023, and would take around 20 months to complete.
This time last year early funding of £12.5 million was released for the bypass by the Department of Finance.
Speaking at the time, then Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd explained the previous two years had been spent getting the “statutory processes” in order.
Then, in October past, it was confirmed the project would also receive support from the Mid South West Growth Deal.
One aspect of the project that had proved somewhat controversial locally was the planned bridge over the Erne, with a group of concerned local citizens called for a rethink of the design so it reflected and complemented its stunning lakeland surroundings.
In recent weeks, it had been rumoured locally that the bridge element of the project would no longer proceeding as its funding had been diverted elsewhere.
When contacted by the ‘Herald on this rumour, DfI did not respond to the question about the future of the bridge, but stressed no funding had been taken from the bypass for any other project.
“Procurement for the construction of Enniskillen Southern Bypass is at an advanced stage, with tender assessments well underway,” said a DfI spokesman, when asked for an update on the project.
“Following completion of this, it is hoped that a contractor will be appointed to begin construction in early summer 2025.”
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