To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what preparatory work has been completed on the Ballynahinch bypass, to ensure the project is shovel-ready when capital investment is available.

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 scheme has progressed through the statutory processes with the Direction Order being made in July 2021, however, the Vesting Order for the scheme cannot be made until funding is secured. The scheme has been developed to a stage that if a decision was made to progress the project it would take in the region of 24 months to commence construction; 12 months to refresh environmental information, prepare contract documents and complete the economic appraisal (Business Case) and 12 months for the procurement process.

Details of the 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)