New one-way street plan

New one-way street plan

19 February 2025

THE introduction of a one-way traffic system at Edward Street in Downpatrick is back on the agenda.

The Department for Infrastructure carried out a recent survey in the area and have revealed that a number of options to improve road safety at one of the town’s busiest streets are being considered.

Officials met with Downpatrick area councillors last week and have confirmed that a final decision on the way forward will be made in the autumn.

Edward Street is home to one of the town’s biggest primary schools — Our Lady and St Patrick — and politicians are determined to ensure everything possible is done to protect children’s safety.

Local residents, whose cars have been damaged by passing vehicles, say congestion is not confined to the morning and afternoon and are concerned that articulated lorries, buses, large vans and heavy agricultural vehicles continue to use the narrow street.

Previously, residents, parents, politicians and education inspectors got involved in a debate on the Edward Street issue and now a fresh attempt is being made to do something to address pupil safety and residents’ concerns.

In addition, letters supporting a one-way system have been written by the Ambulance Service, Translink and Fire and Rescue Service.

The latest DfI survey, which was undertaken after the new Eurospar opened at St Dillon’s Avenue, took place after the road safety issue was raised with Department for Infrastructure minister John O’Dowd who recently was handed responsibility for the Stormont finance portfolio.

The direction and length of the one-way system has yet to be determined with roads officials explaining that moving from a two-way traffic system to one will not just require new signage.

They have explained measures to discourage speeding in Edward Street would be required if a new one-way system is implemented.

Roads officials say they are committed to finding a solution to the congestion and road safety issue and that any proposals moving forward must take cognisance of the impact they will have on surrounding roads.

South Down Alliance MLA Andy McMurray and Downpatrick councillors Cadogan Enright and Oonagh Hanlon have welcomed steps being taken to address traffic issues at Edward Street.

Mr McMurray said his party carried out a survey of the area and found 85% support for a one-way system.

“We have many photos of ambulances or buses stuck in Edward Street, vehicles mounting the pavement with children going to school and huge multi-vehicle snarl-ups outside Our Lady and St Patrick,” he continued.

While frustrated at the length of time it has taken to get the one-way system back on the table, Cllr Enright said it was “time for implementation, not more consultation”.

He said more consultation was not required and that a temporary one-way system introduced over a decade ago to allow work on a resurfacing scheme was effective and successful.

He accused roads officials of “hiding behind a fake need for renewed consultations” as a reason for delaying the long-awaited restoration of the one-way system.

“We have had at least three sets of consultations on this issue over the past 20 years, most recently in 2018,” he continued;

“I was at the original meeting of seven Downpatrick councillors who met with Roads Service personnel and agreed to trial a one-way system in 2013 when Edward Street was being resurfaced. 

“At a meeting later that year with Roads Service officials, the experiment was deemed an overwhelming success and delivery promised for 2016 after another consultation exercise.”

Cllr Hanlon said councillors met with DfI officials to discuss the initial outcomes of a recent traffic survey which included plans for a potential one-way system aimed at improving traffic flow and safety in Edward Street.

She said she had been advocating for solutions for several years and welcomed the completion of the initial surveys and the commitment to present final proposals in the autumn.

“I have been pressing the Department for many years to bring forward solutions to address safety concerns at Edward Street,” she continued.

“I welcome that DfI has completed the initial surveys and listened to concerns of local residents and will bring forward final proposals this autumn.”

Cllr Hanlon said the safety of residents and the Our Lady and St Patrick Primary School community must be a the heart of any decisions.  

A DfI spokesman confirmed the Department was undertaking a feasibility study to examine if there are any potential improvements to road safety and traffic progression along Edward Street in Downpatrick.

He said when the feasibility study was complete, the Department would take forward a consultation on the preferred option that would include residents.