One of the biggest headaches for road users around Enniskillen could soon be alleviated.

In recent years, the flooding of the Erneside Roundabout at the entrance to the shopping centre, has caused frustration and mayhem for many as the level of Lough Erne rises during a period of heavy rainfall.

Now, the Roads Service has reported that funding for a scheme to resolve this problem has now been agreed between the Roads Service, Diageo, which owns Erneside, and ASDA, which is building a new supermarket adjoining this roundabout.

This work, Henry Robinson, Senior Roads Engineer explained, will involve piling the complete area of the roundabout to support a reinforced road, free from settlement and flooding.

"The work, which will commence on Monday, 30th April, is expected to take nine weeks to complete and is expected to cost in the region of £450,000. It will involve traffic diversions for periods during the course of the work."

He accepted that, while it would have been desirable for the project to be carried out at another time when the works on Gaol Square were complete or when the schools were off, this was the only window of opportunity available to use.

"It must be said that works in removing the roundabout at Gaol Square have not created the amount of congestion expected and for that we thank the public for paying heed to the publicity," he added.

Initially, traffic approaching the roundabout from Wellington Road/Frith's Pass will be accommodated in a single direction through to Derrychara Link Road. There will be no access for traffic from Erneside Shopping Centre or Derrychara Link onto the Wellington Road. It will also be necessary for a stage in the construction to close access to all traffic requiring to go through the roundabout.

"For the duration of the works," he added, "schoolchildren will be temporarily relocated from Derrychara Link/ Quay Pass to the Irvinestown Road or the Ulsterbus depot. Children should await specific instructions from their school or bus provider."

Advisory signage will be provided on all routes affected, and updated information will be provided in due course.

Roads Service, in the meantime, apologise to road users for any inconvenience caused.