To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following the tragedy that occurred in Ballynahinch in April 2024, whether the Ballynahinch bypass is being considered for capital investment in 2024-25.

I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr Giovanni Buggea who lost his life in a road traffic collision in the Square, Ballynahinch on Monday 8 April 2024. The PSNI are investigating this tragic incident and anyone who can assist the police with their enquiries should do so.

Major Road schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times, increase reliability and improve road safety. The A24 Ballynahinch Bypass will deliver a 3.1km bypass to the east which will improve traffic conditions in the town centre.

The publication of the prioritised list of major road schemes, that will continue to be progressed, explains that development work on the Ballynahinch Bypass is currently paused. A decision to proceed to procurement will be considered following confirmation of the Department’s Transport Plans and the availability of funding.

Details of the current status of the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass project will continue to be available on the project webpage which can be viewed at: A24 Ballynahinch Bypass - overview | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)