By-pass could begin in 2017

By-pass could begin in 2017

27 August 2014

WORK could begin on the long awaited Ballynahinch bypass in 2017 — but there is a long way to go before it gets the official green light.

Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, has confirmed that if everything goes according to plan a contractor could be in place by mid 2017 with completion of the scheme two years later.

Mr. Kennedy has released money to allow work to continue on developing the by-pass proposal but has warned, in a letter to Down Council, that the plan still has many stages to go through.

“In common with other strategic road Improvement schemes, development of this scheme and subsequent progression to construction remains subject to the scheme clearing the statutory procedures, having a satisfactory economic appraisal and, given other competing priorities, will be dependent on the level of funding made available in future budget settlements,” he said

South Down MLA, Chris Hazzard, is confident for the future of the £50m scheme, which would link Ballynahinch’s Belfast and Newcastle roads.

“For decades local people have been campaigning for a by-pass around Ballynahinch, so it is fantastic news that the project is progressing through the environmental planning stages and that the Department for Regional Development will now publish an environmental impact assessment,” he said.

“As we look to attract increasing investment and tourism opportunities across south Down it is vital that our roads infrastructure is fit for purpose. Currently however persistent congestion in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, and Saintfield is a serious obstacle in growing our local economy.”

Sinn Fein Rowallane representative Eddie Hughes added: “It is important that all those who will be affected by this project engage with the relevant agencies to ensure any possible concerns or ideas are taken on board by the Department.