On a recent visit to Ballynahinch, First Minister Arlene Foster showed her approval of the Ballynahinch By-Pass scheme.
She visited the site of the Ballynahinch by-pass at the invitation of South Down DUP candidate Jim Wells. She also met local DUP councillors Garth Craig and Glyn Hanna.
During the First Minister’s visit Jim Wells said: “The bypass was of crucial importance not only for Ballynahinch but for all of South Down. I welcome the progress that has been made on the proposed road scheme but following the public inquiry it is now vital that a quick decision is made on the proposal to ensure it moves ahead.
First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I very much understand the need for this major road scheme and welcome Jim Wells’ commitment to keep me up-to-date with its progress.”
Rowallene Councillor Billy Walker explained that the DUP had strongly supported the development of the Ballynahinch By-Pass and said: “We have had a public inquiry and hopefully we will get the thumbs up and full approval so we can press ahead and ring fence the funding at Stormont.
“I really hope that in the new Assembly, whoever the Minister is responsible for roads, that the Ballynahinch By-Pass is seen as an absolute priority. Â The spadework for this development has been done. We have the drawings and plans and all we need now is the political will to execute the development.
“This development will be the making of Ballynahinch. It will breathe new life into it, and provide a much needed route to the south for motorists who travel daily to work in the Belfast area.”
