The NI Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has admitted his Department does not have the money to build the A4 bypass, despite plans being open for public consultation until the end of August.

Builders will have to wait some time before submitting tenders for the huge contract, after UUP Minister Kennedy said: "I do not have the money to fund the Enniskillen bypass, but that is not to say that I, and my officials, shouldn't be continuing to bring forward projects and schemes, to put in place the necessary planning permissions and the statutory approvals, so that when money becomes available we can act quickly and proceed with a project of this nature."

The route officially chosen by the Minister would lead from the A4 Belfast Road, in the vicinity of the Killyhevlin Industrial Estate, to the A4 Sligo Road, in the vicinity of Ashwoods Road.

"As Minister, it is my job to look strategically as to where we want to be in a number of years, not just to say we don't have any money, we can't do anything, but to look forward to the opportunities that are provided by a scheme of this nature," he continued.

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Mr Kennedy said that when funds became available and if the project went ahead, it would provide "major benefits" in terms of improving safety and journey times for traffic currently passing through the town.

This project is part of an overall strategy to improve the Key Transport and Link Corridors across Northern Ireland and like all other schemes timing of progression to construction is subject to the availability of finances."

The announcement follows a thorough assessment of potential route corridors by consultants, Aecom working on behalf of Roads Service.

Due to the many physical and environmental restrictions however, not least the Erne and Sillees Rivers, the number of options was quickly narrowed down to two.

Further assessment revealed that the corridor closest to the urban environment attracts more traffic away from the town centre, has less impact on the surrounding environment and provides a better return on investment.

Information on the preferred route corridor for the Enniskillen Southern Bypass along with feedback forms and Roads Service contact details will be available at the public display venues for those wishing to express their views on the corridor or request further information on the scheme.

The Minister added: "Details of the preferred route corridor are now on public display in Enniskillen.

"I would encourage anyone with an interest in the scheme to visit any of the three venues over the next four weeks and examine the proposal.

"Roads Service contact details will also be available for those wishing to express their views on the corridor or request further information on the scheme," he concluded.

(BMcC/KMcA)