MLA calls for Coney Island safety review

MLA calls for Coney Island safety review

9 December 2015

A CALL has been issued for new road safety measures to be introduced at Coney Island.

South Down MLA Chris Hazzard is urging Transport NI to consider providing a new footpath in the vicinity of the village’s caravan park to meet the needs of visitors who stay there and people who live locally.

Mr Hazzard said Coney Island’s location between Killough and Ardglass is “synonymous with holiday makers and rural enthusiasts alike,” with the area attracting thousands of visitors every year, many of whom aren’t car owners.

The MLA said persistent road safety concerns continue to blight what could be a top tourist location, highlighting the need for the introduction of new safety measures.

He continued: “It is frightening to consider that hundreds of children stay in the caravan park during the summer months and have no access to a suitable path to the beach or nearby villages. I wholeheartedly agree with local residents that this issue needs addressed as soon as possible and have written to roads officials to see that this is done.”

Mr Hazzard admits while it may not be financially possible at present to have a walkway from Killough, through Coney Island and on to Ardglass, the possibility of enhancing pedestrian safety in the area needs to be explored.

He added: “A footpath connecting the Coney Island caravan park with the beach and Killough and Ardglass is the ideal solution and one that I will be putting to Transport NI.”