During a meeting, Divisional Roads Manager Mr. Daniel Healy addressed the council, highlighting the importance of the road network as a vital asset for daily life. He acknowledged the need for further improvements and assured the council that the Department is committed to utilising its resources effectively to deliver positive engineering outcomes.
Despite the challenging budget allocation for 2024/25, Mr. Healy stated that the Department will continue to prioritise essential frontline services. The update provided valuable insights into the progress made on road infrastructure projects in the Fermanagh and Omagh district and reassured the council of the Department's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the local road network.
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Mr Healy acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2024-25 budget but affirmed the Department's commitment to advancing local transport, safety schemes, and maintenance programs aimed at improving road safety.
Mr Healy continued: "Currently, a full street lighting repair service will remain in effect during 2024/25.
"Over the next year, in the Fermanagh & Omagh area, we plan to develop the road upgrade of Mountjoy Road to improve traffic progression for the proposed Strule Campus, and complete safety improvements and resurfacing schemes at numerous locations across the district, including the A509, Derrylin Road and A 505 Barony Roads which were completed earlier in the year, along with the completion of 153 lane kilometres of surface dressing.
"The Department is committed to investing in pedestrian and cycling measures to provide greater Active Travel choices particularly for shorter everyday journeys. The Department is developing a Northern Ireland wide Active Travel Delivery Plan that includes an update of our policies and design guidance for Active Travel as well as network plans for our larger towns and cities. We aim to consult the public on this plan later in 2024. In the meantime, we are continuing to deliver improved Active Travel schemes and are due to start on site soon with the Moylagh Road footway improvement schemes at Seskinore."
Mr Healy added: "Earlier this month, the Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd announced the decision to proceed with construction of the first stretch of the A5 Western Transport Corridor in 2025 which will have significant safety and traffic benefits for the Fermanagh and Omagh area."
In conclusion, Mr Healy said: "These projects the Department is delivering will bring significant benefits to both the local community and commuters throughout the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council area."
