Residents and businesses in Cookstown, County Tyrone, are being asked to give their views on the wider benefits that should be delivered alongside the A29 Cookstown Bypass scheme.

Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure is progressing plans for the major road project, which will tackle traffic congestion in the town, improve journey times, and enhance road safety and the town centre environment. As part of the procurement process, contractors will now be assessed not only on cost and quality but also on the social value they can bring to the area.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins highlighted the importance of this approach, noting that social value can include employment, apprenticeships and skills development for local people, as well as initiatives that support community health and well-being. "Local communities know their own needs better than any of us," she said. "This is their opportunity to derive maximum social value benefits from the A29 Cookstown Bypass scheme."

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A Social Value information event will take place from 2pm to 8pm on Tuesday, October 7, at the Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre, where local residents and stakeholders can engage with departmental staff and the social value team.

Cllr Kevin Savage, Chair of the Mid South West Region Governance Steering Group, also stressed the importance of participation, describing the bypass as "a vital project for Mid Ulster and the wider Mid South West region, with the potential to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and support economic growth."

Feedback can be submitted via the online survey, which will remain open until 12pm on Monday, October 27.