Fermanagh and Omagh District Council granted planning permission this week for a £12 million Sainsbury's store at the Great Northern Retail Park in Omagh.

The Department for Infrastructure states the current road network can manage added traffic without disruption. Officials from its Western Division submitted a consultation response on February 18 before council approval.

The response covers the A5 road, the Great Northern Road and Tamlaght Road junction, footway links, and transport assessments. DfI notes existing infrastructure and mitigation measures support free traffic flow into and out of the site.

Measures include keep-clear markings, dedicated turning lanes, and on-site queuing capacity. Keep-clear markings enable vehicles to exit freely and turn left into queuing lanes toward Great Northern Road.

The site provides space for vehicles to wait if lanes fill. A right-turning lane, keep-clear markings, on-site queuing, and pedestrian infrastructure prevent queuing on Tamlaght Road.

Local retailer Charlie Hamilton raised concerns about traffic pressures. He said queues already affect Omagh town centre between 4.30pm and 6pm. Hamilton predicts queues in both directions upon opening will impact quality of life on Tamlaght Road.