Ballynahinch Bypass decision to be reviewed - Hazzard

Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard MP has secured a commitment from Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to review a decision taken last year by the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) to shelve the Ballynahinch Bypass.

The South Down MP was meeting with Minister O’Dowd in Stormont to discuss the need to invest in strategic infrastructure projects in order to improve the existing transport network in South Down.

Mr Hazzard said:

“As soon as the Stormont Executive was restored last month, I wrote to Minister O’Dowd to request that he review the decision by DFI officials last summer to shelve the Ballynahinch Bypass; so I am encouraged that he has now confirmed to me that he will indeed review this decision.

“It was also pleasing to hear Minister O’Dowd reiterate that he is aware of the need to reduce journey times and improve road safety in the South Down area, including the A24 at Ballynahinch.

“Investment in infrastructure projects like the proposed Ballynahinch Bypass would not only create jobs and help stimulate increased economic activity in the local area, but it would undoubtedly also boost innovation and help improve the connectivity of South Down to the wider Belfast and Dublin corridor.

“With confirmation recently that Stormont has been underfunded for quite some time, it is vitally important now that the British Government look to address this shortfall in capital funding, and allow much needed investment in our public services, including transformative infrastructure schemes such as the Ballynahinch Bypass.

“I look forward to working with Minister O’Dowd to advance this scheme and hope that the review of this decision will see this vital infrastructure project get moving again, and the necessary funding secured to finally deliver the Ballynahinch Bypass.”