SOUTH Down MLA Chris Hazzard (Sinn Féin) has said that crash barriers need to be erected along the side of the road leading into Loughinisland to prevent cars going into the lake.
Mr. Hazzard said: “I was contacted by concerned local residents who had concerns about the danger of the road leading into Loughinisland where the lake is situated. There was a lack of fencing surrounding the lake in certain areas and in others the road was unfit for purpose.
“This poses a dangerous risk of a cars skidding off into the lake especially at this time when roads are icy during winter months.
“We have scheduled a meeting with DRD Road Service a number of weeks ago and it was agreed to carry out a technical assessment on the area.
:The DRD Road Service have now informed me that that the work will be included on the programme of road improvements but at present there is no funding available to give an exact completion date.
“I am deeply concerned that financial restraints are putting road users in danger and as this is a busy road for both traffic and pedestrians, a tragedy could occur before the barriers are erected.
“I would call on DRD to ensure adequate funding is allocated to fund road maintenance and safety schemes as a priority sothis work can be carried out as soon as possible.”
He added that drivers do need to drive with caution on this section of the road and to heed their speed.
Hazzard Calls for Drumaness Village Road Improvement Scheme
Chris Hazzard MLA has also written to the Roads Service to seek an update on future plans to carry-out much needed improvements to the existing road surface and traffic calming system in Drumaness.
The Sinn Féin MLA said: “For some years now the quality of the road surface in the village has been deteriorating and I would share locals’ concern that road safety standards have suffered as a result.
“A large proportion of the existing traffic calming measures are in urgent need of repair, including the vast majority of speed cushions throughout the village. I have also sought clarification on the need for the mini-roundabout at the Old Park Road junction, and if this can perhaps be replaced by a more suitable traffic calming measure.
“Any future upgrade of the existing road surface and traffic calming system in Drumaness would be greatly appreciated by pedestrians and drivers alike, and I have urged Roads Service to seriously consider carrying out these improvements as soon as possible.”
