Infrastructure Minister has given the green light to
the A32 Cornamuck Road Scheme.
The 1.4 km scheme will provide an important improvement on
the A32 which is the main road between Omagh and Enniskillen. The
upgrade, the latest in a series on that route, will improve
transport links between the two towns and users of the South West
Acute Hospital.
Minister Kimmins said: “This is an essential route
linking the main towns in Tyrone and Fermanagh. An upgrade
on this road at Cornamuck will provide greater connectivity to
both acute hospital services and education facilities for the
local communities as well as enhancing road safety measures,
reducing journey times and increasing public transport
reliability along the route.”
“I am delighted to be able to move this important road
scheme forward. I am committed to ensuring that roads across the
north including those in rural areas continue to receive the
investment required to suit local needs.”
The Minister also confirmed the way forward for a number of other
major road and transport projects. Speaking as the Department
published an update to the prioritised list of major road
infrastructure schemes that will be progressed over the next ten
years she said: “Getting infrastructure right, and
investing in it accordingly, can create the foundations for
better rural and urban communities but we need to be realistic
about what we can deliver. I have been
keen to revisit the prioritisation of our major road projects to
derive maximum benefit from forecasted departmental budget
allocations, enabling decisions to be made now.
“I have already committed to the
progression of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 project, the A24
Ballynahinch Bypass, followed up now with the A32 Cornamuck
project. These will be delivered
sequentially to help manage the funding impact on other
departmental services.
“I can confirm that in addition to these schemes my
Department will continue with the development of
our Flagship projects and those included within City and
Growth Deals.
“These strategic and flagship road improvement schemes
will deliver for many communities across the north for
generations to come. We will remain ready to progress
further schemes in future years should additional funding become
available.”
Notes to editors:
- Further information on the A32 Cornamuck Scheme is available
on the Department's website at: A32 Omagh to Enniskillen -
overview | Department for Infrastructure
- The Department will now commence the work to review and
update the necessary documents to bring this scheme to
procurement, including the finalising of the Business Case.
Following the delivery of the A1 Junctions Phase 2 and A24
Ballynahinch projects it is currently planned to start
procurement in 2030/31 with construction starting in 2031/32.
This will be kept under review and if funding opportunities arise
it may be possible to commence the scheme earlier. Delivery of
the scheme will be dependent on the future availability of
finance.
- The list of roads to be prioritised is outlined below. This
includes the closing out of projects that have been recently
constructed.
- A6 Randalstown to Castledawson – closing out the project
- A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Phase 1 – closing out the project
- A5 Western Transport Corridor
- A6 Derry to Dungiven Phase 2
- Belfast Rapid Transit 2
- Lagan Pedestrian & Cycle Bridge
- Newry Southern Relief Road
- A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass
- A29 Cookstown Bypass
- Derry Riverfront
- Strabane Footbridge
- A1 Junctions Phase 2 scheme
- A24 Ballynahinch Bypass
- A32 Cornamuck scheme
4. The Department has been working closely with Local Councils
and other stakeholders on the development of a new suite of
Transport Plans which will set out the framework for transport
policy and investment decisions up until 2035. The
progression of other major road schemes will be informed by this
ongoing work and the future availability of funding.
5. Alternative funding models are to be explored that could
allow for the progression of the York Street Interchange Scheme.
6. Further development of the A2 Buncrana Road is awaiting
the outcome of the North West Transport Plan.
7. More details on the timeline and status of projects is
available on the Department's website at: Prioritisation of the Major
Roads Programme - FAQs | Department for Infrastructure
