Construction BUSINESS

Construction of the A5 and Enniskillen Bypass are both to begin in early 2025.

Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced his intention to proceed with construction of the first stretch of the A5 in early 2025. This will see the first 55kms/34 miles of the project proceed from the proposed Junction 8 (south of Strabane) to the proposed Junction 15 near Ballygawley including the westward extension of the existing A4 Dual Carriageway.

Speaking after receiving Executive approval for the project to proceed, Minister O’Dowd said:

“I can confirm that, following careful consideration of Planning Appeals Commission reports and the environmental impacts of the scheme, I have decided to start work with the first phase of the scheme, which will be between Strabane and Ballygawley.

“This is in line with the PAC recommendation that this section should proceed in the wider public interest. This would be the first phase of construction work, covering over half of the total project, 55km or 34 miles out of 85km or 53 miles, with my intention to make a formal decision on the remaining sections at the earliest opportunity.”

The general effect of the A5WTC whole project is to construct approximately 85 kilometres (53 miles) of new trunk road from just south of Derry at New Buildings, passing close to Strabane, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Ballygawley and Aughnacloy before terminating at the existing A5 just south of Aughnacloy. This decision to proceed is based on progressing a 55km (34miles) section of new trunk road between South of Strabane and Ballygawley.

The emerging estimate for the whole scheme is in the region of £2.1Bn and for the part of the scheme being authorised, the emerging budget requirement is around £1.2Bn.

In February 2024, the Irish Government announced new funding worth €800m (£685m) for Shared Island projects. This included a contribution of €600m (£515m) for the A5WTC. Also included in the announcement was confirmation that the Irish Government is advancing work on road projects linked to the A5WTC, including the N2 Clontibret and Donegal Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) upgrades. These commitments were reinforced through the Joint Communique of the North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectoral meeting of 27 June 2024.

Meanwhile, O’Dowd has welcomed confirmation of Executive funding for the Enniskillen Bypass which will allow the scheme to proceed to construction as planned in 2025.

Minister O’Dowd said:

“Earlier this year the Executive committed £16.2m of capital funding to the Enniskillen Bypass scheme alongside the approved early release of £12.5m from the Executive’s contribution to the Mid South West Growth Deal.

“Since then, my officials have been working diligently to progress this significant scheme with a view to construction starting in 2025. Recently a shortlist of contractors was invited to bid for the scheme’s construction contract.

“I know there had been some concern from people in Enniskillen that the scheme might be impacted by the decision of the UK Government to pause the Mid South West Growth Deal.  I am pleased to be able to give reassurance that the Executive has confirmed the full cost of the scheme will be met from Executive funding and it can proceed to construction next year as originally planned.”