THE new southern bypass is expected to cut journey times and traffic delays in Enniskillen in half, Minister John O'Dowd has said. 

The proposed new bypass will provide a new three and a half kilometre active travel route adjacent to the bypass, connecting into the existing footway/cycleway network. 

Work on the major project, which has been more than a decade in the making, is expected to commence in the coming weeks. 

"The new bypass will also alleviate significant traffic congestion in Enniskillen, and it will reduce delays and improve average journey times by approximately 50 per cent," Minister O'Dowd told the Assembly, outlining the anticipated improvements in transportation.

In response to Sinn Feín MLA Colm Gildernew's inquiry about the climate impacts of the bypass, Minister O'Dowd acknowledged potential environmental concerns. "The construction of major road projects can significantly impact on climate, particularly during the construction phase," he stated.

However, Minister O'Dowd reassured the scheme "shows an overall reduction in carbon emissions in the long term and has a beneficial impact on climate". He disclosed that environmental impact assessments indicated a reduction in emissions along the adjacent road network compared to the absence of the scheme.

Expressing gratitude for the Minister's response, Mr. Gildernew stated, "I thank the Minister for the answer."

Sinn Feín MLA Áine Murphy asked the Minister to outline some of the benefits of social value in the procurement process for the bypass. 

In response, Minister O'Down said the term social value "can be hard to understand for the general public".

"Social value seeks to create positive benefits for residents, businesses and stakeholder through four themes: delivering zero carbon; promoting well-being; increasing secure employment and skills; and building ethical and resilient supply chains. 

"A social value engagement has been carried out to capture the views of the community in the Enniskillen area on what additional benefits can be brought to the town through the delivery of the scheme. That input will help the Department to tailor meaningful social value outcomes as part of a scheme for delivery by the appointed contractor."

"I thank the Minister for his answer," replied Miss Murphy, "Most importantly, when can we expect to see diggers on the ground for commencement?

"Yes. Hopefully, diggers will be on the ground in late spring or early summer of 2025, and the scheme is anticipated to take two years to complete," he said.