Congestion blueprint is on the table

Congestion blueprint is on the table

26 August 2015

A BLUEPRINT to ease traffic congestion and stimulate the growth of Downpatrick’s economy has been unveiled to politicians.

There were no new ideas produced by Transport NI when they held a series of briefings for local politicians in Downpatrick on Thursday and Friday on a transportation study with short, medium and long term stages.

Controversially, a proposal for a one-way system based around Market Street, Irish Street, Stream Street and St Patrick’s Avenue, which was vehemently opposed by traders when it first surfaced several years ago, is back on the table.

Also proposed is a one-way system for Edward Street and St Dillon’s Avenue in a bid to improve safety for schoolchildren from Our Lady and St Patrick’s Primary School, along with junction improvements at Collins’ Corner and the widening of Fountain Street.

Transport NI, the new name for the former Roads Service, has reiterated a commitment to examine the possibility of constructing a new road linking Irish Street with St Patrick’s Avenue through the site of the police station once the PSNI moves to its new base at the Downshire 

Estate.

However, despite two days of briefings Transport NI has refused to publicly release details of the transportation study and is planning to host a consultation event in the Down Arts Centre at some stage in the future.

The Recorder was not allowed to attend the briefings and when we asked for a copy of the Transportation Study we were sent a short statement from Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy saying this was the first stage in a consultation exercise. He also said all of the proposals will be subject to the availability of finance.

When we pressed Transport NI for  more information we were sent a three paragraph statement outlining the bare bones of several of the proposals.

“Among the proposals discussed were junction improvements at Collins’ Corner and Fountain Street to assist with traffic progression,” said the statement.

“Also discussed were options for one-way systems in the Edward Street and Market Street area. However, we are aware of significant objections. Development of these proposals will require further consultation, acquisition of land and satisfactory completion of necessary legislation as well as the necessary funding.

“We will now take time after the meeting with elected representatives to take on board their comments and make any necessary changes to the presentation of the options and the final report. This will be completed in the coming weeks and will be followed by public viewing and consultation.”

The proposals did not meet with much enthusiasm from politicians who were briefed.  The most positive was Sinn Fein MLA Chris Hazzard, who said they “were a step in the right direction,” but at the other end of the commentary spectrum the briefing was labelled  as “worse than useless” by independent councillor Cadogan Enright.

South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, said the proposals were only a “partial solution” and called on Danny Kennedy to produce a properly financed comprehensive solution.

Crucially, Miss Ritchie called on traders to “become actively involved” in the consultation on the transportation study in a bid to bring about “vibrancy in business.”