Department reiterates commitment but timescale depends on funding and legal implications
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has repeated its commitment to progress the A29 Cookstown bypass, but officials say they cannot yet provide a delivery timescale because of budgetary pressures and the need to consider the implications of a recent court judgment on a separate major road scheme.
The assurance was given by Western Division Roads Manager Stephen Hughes during the DfI Roads annual presentation to Mid Ulster District councillors at the council meeting on 22 October. Councillors had sought clarification after media reports suggested the Cookstown scheme had been deprioritised in favour of other works.
“In terms of the A29 Cookstown bypass, there is still a full commitment to go ahead with it.”
Mr Hughes told councillors the department must take time to assess the recent judgment on the A5 upgrade. The court decision, he said, "provides important legal clarity" and allows officials to progress the necessary statutory orders for that scheme. He emphasised, however, that the broader implications of that judgment for other major projects, including the A29, must be examined before firm timescales can be set.
- Commitment: DfI maintains it intends to proceed with the A29 Cookstown bypass.
- Timing: No delivery timetable will be given until the department reviews work required and future funding availability.
- Drivers: The A5 court judgment and completion of statutory procedures for major projects influence next steps.
Councillor Trevor Wilson (UUP, Cookstown DEA) raised the matter directly with Mr Hughes, noting recent press coverage indicating the bypass might be "off the table". The roads manager rejected that binary characterisation, while acknowledging the department must now factor the A5 judgment into planning and prioritisation.
Separately, Mid Ulster MP Cathal Mallaghan (Sinn Féin) has written to the Infrastructure Minister seeking an update on the A29, calling the bypass an "essential piece of infrastructure" for Cookstown and the wider district. He pointed to benefits for road safety, journey times and reduced town-centre congestion and noted that funding had been identified through the Mid South West Growth Deal. Mr Mallaghan said he would continue to press the minister and department to maintain delivery as a priority.
Local impact and next steps
For residents and businesses in Cookstown, the absence of a confirmed timetable leaves continued uncertainty over when relief from through-traffic congestion will arrive. Local representatives have consistently argued that the bypass is needed to reduce HGV traffic through the town centre, improve safety and help economic activity by shortening journey times.
The department has set out the steps that must be completed before procurement and construction can begin: completion of statutory procedures and securing funding in future departmental budget plans. The DfI statement accompanying the annual report underlined that timescales will depend on several factors, notably the extent of preparatory work required in the light of the A5 judgment and public finance availability in coming years.
| Stakeholder | Position / Role |
|---|---|
| Department for Infrastructure (Western Division) | Committed to A29 scheme; cannot set timescale pending review and funding |
| Mid Ulster District councillors | Seeking clarity and timetable for delivery to address local congestion |
| Mid Ulster MP | Pressing Minister for update; highlights Growth Deal funding |
Until the department completes its detailed assessment of the court judgment and confirms future-year funding allocations, residents and local organisations must wait for a clearer picture on when the Cookstown bypass will move from commitment to construction. Councillors and the MP have indicated they will continue to press DfI ministers and officials for a definitive update.
