By-pass may start in 2014 says minister

By-pass may start in 2014 says minister

18 January 2012 - by DAVID TELFORD

WORK on Ballynahinch’s new multi-million pound by-pass could get underway in 2014.

The news emerged during a visit to the town last week by Stormont Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy when it was confirmed that funding of £60m for new roads investment will become available in two years’ time.

While no schemes have yet been earmarked for the money which has become available as a result of a delay in constructing the new A5 in the west of the Province, politicians and traders in Ballynahinch hope the town’s bid for a slice of the funding cake will be successful.

Work on a detailed environmental impact study on the Ballynahinch by-pass — linking the Newcastle and Belfast roads — is scheduled to get underway almost immediately. The findings will be made public and when the various responses have been collated, a decision will be taken if a public inquiry is necessary.

During his visit to Ballynahinch last week, Mr. Kennedy said he was aware of the campaign for the multi-million pound project and the traffic problems the town experiences.

Councillor Anne McAleenan believes the market town would be a leading contender for a share of the £60m in 2014, provided the scheme has reached the stage where construction could start.

“I believe there is now a real chance that Ballynahinch can secure the money it needs for the town’s new by-pass, even though it will be competing against other towns for a share of the cash. Mr. Kennedy is aware of the traffic congestion problems we face and I have no doubt he is sympathetic to our needs.”

Councillor McAleenan added: “Last week’s meeting was one of the most positive I have ever had with a roads minister. I hope we are edging ever closer towards a new by-pass in Ballynahinch which will help regenerate the town centre and provide a dedicated tourist route into the heart of the Mournes.”

Mr. Mark Murnin, the chairman of Ballynahinch Chamber of Commerce, believes if the necessary ground work to pave the way for the by-pass can be completed within two years, the town has a “real chance” of securing money for the scheme.

“If the project is ready to proceed in 2014 then when the £60m becomes available we must be in with a chance of securing what we need to progress.

“It’s now essential the work needed to advance the by-pass to the point of construction is completed. Everyone involved needs to channel their energies towards having all the necessary preparation work completed in two years’ time.”

Mr. Murnin said the Regional Development Minister gave the impression during his visit to Ballynahinch last week that there is a need for a new by-pass.

He added: “If we are ready to proceed and money becomes available then I believe work on the by-pass could start in a few years’ time. We all need to remain at the forefront of the campaign for this much-needed new road.”