Minister pressed on by-pass plans

Minister pressed on by-pass plans

30 November 2016

STORMONT Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has been asked to confirm his intention to proceed with Ballynahinch’s proposed £50m by-pass.

Strangford MLA Philip Smith believes the extra £250m funding allocated to the Northern Ireland Executive for capital projects as a result of last week’s autumn statement provides an opportunity to progress the eagerly-awaited by-pass.

The Assemblyman said last September, that Mr Hazzard expressed his disappointment at not having the funding available to proceed with the multi-million pound scheme.

Mr Smith said in response to a question he posed at the Assembly, Mr Hazzard said he would be “more than delighted to be able to fund the construction of this very important project” and stated it was something he wanted to see delivered.

“The Minister went on to say that funding was an issue and refused to confirm its inclusion in the new budget,” the MLA continued, arguing Chancellor Philip Hammond’s autumn statement “significantly changes the situation.” 

Mr Smith continued: “Last week, the Northern Ireland government was given an extra £250m to invest in capital projects. Minister Hazzard has previously confirmed that the Ballynahinch by-pass is a ‘shovel ready’ project which was only being held back by a lack of resource.   

“We know there is horrendous gridlock in Ballynahinch and the Minister has said in the past that the town has suffered decades of neglect. This is an opportunity too good to miss; now that he has the money let’s see some action. I call on the Minister to confirm his intention to proceed with this key project as soon as possible.”

In response, Mr Hazzard said one of the key issues of the Chancellor’s statement was the announcement of a series of capital programmes and the Executive will now determine its capital allocations for the four years ahead.

“I have previously said that I want to see this scheme delivered and I will be striving to maximise the amount available to Infrastructure to progress the ambitious agenda I have laid out,” he said.

Mr Hazzard added: “It is also important to note that progression of the proposed Ballynahinch by-pass to procurement and subsequent construction will be dependent on the successful conclusion of a number of legal processes such as approval of the business case.”