Appeal for pilot road scheme at peak time

Appeal for pilot road scheme at peak time

6 March 2024

DOWNPATRICK’S Edward Street should be piloted as one of Northern Ireland’s first to be closed during the morning and afternoon peak periods to make it safer for school pupils.

The appeal by South Down MLA Colin McGrath for the so-called ‘Streets Scheme’ outside Our Lady and St Patrick Primary School to be introduced has been made to new Stormont Roads Minister John O’Dowd.

Last year, Newry, Mourne and Down Council called for Edward Street to be selected as a pilot location for the road safety initiative which also helps improve air quality.

Mr McGrath said the scheme has been introduced in England and across the Republic of Ireland but could not be in Northern Ireland as no government minister was in place.

“While this was disappointing, we are now in the position of having a Minister of Infrastructure who could give the necessary leadership to drive this programme forward,” he continued.

“The school street scheme would create an area around the school in which only residents could bring their vehicle during off and pick up times.”

Mr McGrath has spoken in the Assembly on the issue before and previously appealed to Mr O’Dowd for the scheme’s introduction when he was in charge of the roads portfolio.

“I have since written to the minister again to make this appeal and extol its merits. I hope Minister O’Dowd he will do the right thing and bring forward this scheme for the good of Downpatrick, allowing children safe passage to and from school.”