By-pass approval widely welcomed

By-pass approval widely welcomed

1 February 2012 - by DAVID TELFORD

LOCAL politicians have welcomed confirmation that the route of Ballynahinch’s new by-pass has been formally approved.

But they now want the cash needed to finance the construction of the £50m project earmarked in the Roads Service budget.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy confirmed last week that the route of Ballynahinch’s multi-million pound by-pass had been formally approved following a public consultation exercise.

He revealed funding for the Ballynahinch scheme is not available in the current budget, but indicated Roads Service will continue to progress the scheme so it may be ready for construction, should finance become available.

The Minister made the announcement during an adjournment debate secured by Strangford Assemblyman Simon Hamilton, who said confirmation of the by-pass route represented “extremely positive progress and another milestone on the journey towards realising the much-needed new road.”

The MLA said the future of Ballynahinch depended on the by-pass going ahead, with the new road also key to unlocking development land for the construction of up to 750 new homes.

Mr. Hamilton continued: “Ballynahinch has a lot of construction, aggregates and manufacturing industry based around it which requires putting a lot of vehicles on the road. Traffic congestion has an impact on these businesses and affects their competitiveness.

“The by-pass will help local businesses and improve road safety. Unfortunately, in the past two years, there have been two fatal accidents in Windmill Street which is part of the one-way system around the town. There are also some housing estates in Ballynahinch being used as unofficial by-passes.”

South Down MLA Caitriona Ruane said she welcomed the opportunity to reiterate to Mr. Kennedy the importance of having the by-pass completed as soon as possible.

“I was delighted to hear the proposed route of the by-pass has now been published and that it provides value for money, while incorporating the highest road safety features,” she said.

Ms. Ruane added: “This is an important step in the process of working towards a start date and I will continue to push the Minster to take the process to the next stage and set a start date.”

Strangford MP Jim Shannon has also welcomed the decision.

The MP added: “I had met with the previous roads minister on several occasions regarding this by-pass and am delighted his successor is still on board. The cost of the scheme has risen, but so has the need for it and we must continue to lobby Mr. Kennedy to ensure it’s delivered.”

Ballynahinch councillor Garth Craig said Mr. Kennedy’s announcement is “great news,” not only for the people of Ballynahinch and surrounding area but also local businesses and commuters alike.

He added: “The present traffic congestion slows down the supply and delivery of products and services for existing businesses and thus provides an additional burden under which they have to operate.

“A new road network would greatly improve Ballynahinch’s attraction as a strategic location for potential investors in the heart of Down between Belfast and Newcastle and between Downpatrick and the M1. The new by-pass would also greatly improve road safety.”