To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why a combined footway and cycleway is proposed as part of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass as opposed to segregated cycle paths.

I recently announced my decision to proceed with the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme and make the statutory Orders. I have made clear my commitment to making road improvements to tackle regional imbalance, improving the economy, job prospects and prosperity, connecting communities and improving road safety. To complement the bypass, provision for active travel has been incorporated into the scheme with 3.4km of new footway/cycleway to be constructed as part of the scheme.

The scheme design assessed the need for a footway/cycleway along the Bypass and identified a shared facility as a suitable provision. As part of my decision to proceed with the scheme, my Department will be looking at further opportunities to maximise the footway/cycleway provision including separation from the carriageway within the vesting line of the Bypass.

In parallel with this work my Department will also be exploring further opportunities to improve the town centre to create a sustainable, liveable place where people have the space to stay, meet, shop and safely walk, wheel and cycle. This will include opportunities for active and sustainable travel in the town.