Ongoing traffic jams ‘concerning’

Ongoing traffic jams ‘concerning’

23 March 2016

FRUSTRATION is growing about the lack of action to address Downpatrick’s town centre traffic congestion, according to a senior politician.

Ahead of a scheduled meeting between councillors and senior officials from Transport NI in May, Dermot Curran said residents, visitors and the town’s business community want the congestion issue addressed.

He said while a number of suggestions have been made by roads officials to tackle the issue, no firm action has been taken and said the inaction is “deeply frustrating for many.”

“Traffic congestion is an important issue for many people as it impacts on their lives and those of the business community,” he said. “Transport NI is supposed to come forward with a definitive plan to crack a congestion problem which is having a negative impact on the town.

“We have not seen that plan yet and we are not making progress on this most critical of issues. We need more information about the timetable for solving Downpatrick’s congestion to help the town’s future growth. Work has started to dismantle the heavy fortifications at the former police base in Irish Street and I believe this will make a positive contribution to traffic flow at this part of the town.”

Councillor Curran voiced his frustration at a meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee last week when several politicians highlighted the need for twice yearly briefings with roads officials to concentrate on strategic issues.

They insist the focus should be on traffic congestion in Downpatrick, the proposed Ballynahinch by-pass and plans to upgrade a section of the busy A7 outside Saintfield between Doran’s Rock and the entrance to Rowallane Garden.

Councillors say valuable time to hold senior roads officials to account should not be wasted during council meetings by dealing with a “myriad of minor issues.” They say councillors should submit questions they have about minor roads issues ahead of the public meetings with roads officials so these queries can be answered by letter.

Councillor Willie Clarke agreed that the twice yearly presentation from roads officials must focus on strategic issues and “not every pot hole in the road or broken street light.” He said these issues could be dealt with via district electoral area forums which have been set up across the council area.

Councillor Billy Walker said the council has duty to “keep a tighter rein” on statutory organisations, while councillor Brian Quinn suggested that for many people across the district, dealing with the pot hole problem is very important.

Slieve Croob councillor, Garth Craig, agreed that holding organisations like Transport NI to account is important and that meetings with its officials should concentrate on strategic issues.

Politicians are due to meet with senior officials from Transport NI on May 25 and again in October. Both meetings will be held at the Downshire Civic Centre in Downpatrick.