Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has encouraged the Enniskillen community to provide their views on what they would like to see delivered as part of the A4 Enniskillen Bypass.

Construction on the new southern bypass of the County Fermanagh town is scheduled to commence next year. Ahead of selecting the primary contractor, the local community is invited to share their input on desired supplementary benefits or social value to be integrated into the project. Social value refers to wider financial and non-financial impacts on the wellbeing of individuals, communities and the environment.

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The Enniskillen Bypass scheme marks the Department's first major roads project where competitive tenders for the public contract will undergo evaluation based on social value, alongside cost and quality.

Minister O'Dowd said: "Delivery of road schemes can result in disruption during the building phase. While the completion of the scheme will see benefits around journey times, road safety and better air quality, in recognition of the inevitable upheaval during construction, local communities should have a say on wider benefits.

"This can take many forms including employment, apprenticeship or skill development opportunities for local people. It could also be support for health and well-being initiatives or community engagement. Local communities know their own needs better than any of us and this is their opportunity to derive maximum benefits from this particular road improvement scheme. I encourage the local residents and the business community to take part in this public engagement exercise and provide their feedback."

Residents can fill out the online survey until 5 May 2024 at 5pm.