Gates finally open for emergency calls

Gates finally open for emergency calls

14 March 2013

THE Roads Service has responded to concerns that emergency service vehicles can’t access the Downpatrick and  Co. Down Railway’s base in the town.

For many years a locked overhead barrier at the entrance to the car park beside the railway restricts entry to car drivers only. Emergency services have had a key to allow them to open the barrier and drive through.

However, the barrier was extensively damaged a number of months ago and repairs carried out by contractors working on behalf of the Roads Service resulted in a temporary lock being fitted which the emergency services couldn’t open.

Councillors Cadogan Enright and Robert Burgess — who are both volunteers with the local railway — have been raising their concerns about the lock issue with the Department of Regional Development for many months.

They revealed an ambulance crew could not open the barrier or a set of gates at the nearby Department of Environment car park which leads to the railway during an emergency incident there last summer.

Councillor Enright said the Roads Service apologised and agreed that a lock would be fitted at the barrier which the emergency services could open. He said the key would also open the gates at Rathkeltair House.

Councillor Burgess said he was concerned that months after raising concern about the lock issue, no affirmative action had been taken.

“I am disappointed at the length of time it is taking sort this matter out.

“It’s essential the emergency services have 24-hour access to what is a working railway museum,” he declared.

A DRD spokeswoman confirmed one of the overhead barriers at the Lower Market Street car park was extensively damaged some time ago and that temporary repair work was carried out which resulted in a lock and chain being fitted.

The spokeswoman added: “Last week, the DRD carried out more repairs to the barrier and secured it properly with a lock similar to those used on all overhead barriers in Downpatrick.

“One key opens all the barriers and this is available to the emergency services.”