Northern Ireland's Roads Service has acquired the land necessary to construction the new Cherrymount Link Road in Co Fermanagh.

Transport Minister Conor Murphy confirmed the purchase, as part of a £6.4m investment in the county's roads.

Mr Murphy said his department remains committed to completing the "worthwhile" Cherrymount project.

The Minister said the development of several improvements on the A32 Enniskillen to Omagh Road were continuing, and work to widen and realign the road at Esker Bog could commence this financial year.

However, this will be subject to acquisition of the necessary adjoining lands.

"Design work is also progressing on projects to realign the A32 at Shannaragh and at Sidaire," he said.

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Subject to the necessary land acquisition procedures and availablity of finance, these schemes could commence in early 2011, Mr Murphy told Fermanagh council.

"Preliminary route development work is also ongoing on the Enniskillen Southern Bypass."

A public consultation day is expected to take place next autumn, displaying the route corridor under consideration.

Minister Murphy welcomed the completion of the new Belcoo and Blacklion bridge.

"My department worked closely with their counterparts in Cavan County Council and the National Roads Authority in the south to build a bridge to modern standards while retaining the appearance of the original bridge," he said.

"A right turning lane has been completed at the junction of B72 Manoo Road and B82 Killadeas Road.

"Work has also started recently on the bridge replacement and road realignment at Thompson's Bridge on the A509 between Enniskillen and Derrylin."

The Minister also welcomed the start of the resurfacing scheme on the A4 Belfast Road at Aghavea.

Divisional Roads Manager Pat Doherty said: "Other schemes still to be completed this financial year include the provision of a right turning lane on the A4 at Brookborough and the provision of a footway on A34 Clones Road, Newtownbutler.

"In addition, work is also scheduled to begin on a scheme to realign the road and change the priorities at the junction of A34 Main Street Maguiresbridge and Brookborough Road."

(PR/BMcc)