Ballynahinch bypass will proceed

Despite the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly, plans for the Ballynahinch bypass are to proceed according to Local Assembly member Eamonn O’Neill.

Mr O’Neill, who was speaking at a SDLP party conference recently stated that the suspension of the assembly could not be allowed to hinder the progress of the bypass.

“Last week, I was due to lead a delegation of Co. Down people to meet with the Minister for Regional Development to discuss the timescale for the Ballynahinch bypass.
“I had hoped we would be met with a significant commitment from the Minister for a start date for construction. Unfortunately, the Minister had resigned.

“We have an excellent case for a bypass here, a case which has wide ranging support. It has been accepted by the Department that a great need exists to divert traffic away from this market town and free up traffic travelling through South Down,” said O’Neill.