asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they have to improve the traffic flow in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. [HL954]

The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the noble Lord in response to this Question.

Letter from Dr Malcolm McKibbin to Lord Laird dated December 2006.

You recently asked Her Majesty's Government a Parliamentary Question about what proposals they have to improve the traffic flow in Enniskillen County. As this issue falls within my responsibility as chief executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.

Traffic congestion in Enniskillen is typical of many similar provincial towns in Northern Ireland. However, it is recognised by Roads Service that Enniskillen is an island town and that this in itself contributes to problems for traffic progression. We are, therefore, progressing two significant schemes to address traffic congestion in the town. Gaol Square is to be signalised (to facilitate a major redevelopment with the developer bearing the costs). Also, notices of statutory orders were published in December 2006, for a scheme to provide an additional lane on the western (Henry Street) approach to the town.

I am also pleased to advise that another major works scheme, Cherrymount Link, (which will link the A32 Irvinestown Road with the B80 Tempo Road) is being progressed. It is hoped to publish statutory orders for this scheme in mid-2007.