Kimmins announces a further roll-out of part-time 20mph zones at 34 schools, 17 of which are in the Southern Division
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that a further 34 schools will have part-time 20mph speed limit schemes installed.
This will be the fourth tranche of schools to benefit from this important road safety initiative scheme which will see a total of 307 schools across the north benefitting from the scheme since 2020/21.
Speaking at a visit to Dromintee Primary School which is included in the latest tranche, Minister Kimmins said: “Children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads and I remain committed to doing what I can to improve their safety.
“Once again these 34 schools identified will be located on rural roads where the national speed limit applies and traffic is generally faster.
“Last year I announced the measure for 40 rural schools and I am pleased that the majority of those are now operational, with the remainder to be completed shortly.
“Children, parents and staff have a fundamental right to feel safe as they travel to and from school whether they are walking, wheeling, cycling, driving or taking public transport. The introduction of the part-time speed limits helps slow traffic down at the start and end of the school day as pupils arrive and leave to go home.
The Minister continued: “The announcement today is just one step in my commitment to make our roads safer for everyone particularly our most vulnerable road users.
“Whilst focus is aimed on higher speed roads where the national speed limit applies, I am equally aware that there are schools in urban and residential areas which would also benefit from a reduction in speed limits.
“Earlier this year, I held a public consultation on a review of speed limits. Included within this review, was an option for permanent 20mph speed limits outside schools in more urban and residential areas.
“That consultation report will now help inform the next stage of the Speed Limit Review and the development of any future speed limit proposals.
“As part of my Safer Journeys to School programme, I have now brought forward a proposal for Executive consideration seeking agreement to introduce legislation prohibiting drivers from overtaking a stationary bus on a 60mph single-carriageway road.
“This would enable the Department to take forward a practical measure to address the risk facing children as they get on and off buses, helping to encourage safer driver behaviour and providing additional protection at one of the most vulnerable stages of the school journey.
“I would remind every road user that there are actions we can all take that will help reduce death and injury on our roads. As road users, we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe.
“I would urge all drivers to take care on the roads, slow down, ignore mobile phones and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “
***
TRANCHE 4 – PART-TIME 20MPH SPEED LIMITS AT SCHOOLS 2026/27 – SOUTHERN DIVISION
No. School Address
1 Lisnadill PS 7 Drumconwell Road, Armagh, BT60 2PS
2 Ballydown PS 64 Lisnaree Road, Banbridge, Co. Down, BT32 4JN
3 St. Joseph’s PS, Madden 50 Farnaloy Road, Madden, Armagh, BT60 3LR
4 St. Brigid’s (Drumilly) 17 Carrowbane Road, Drumilly, Belleeks, Newry, BT35 7QL
5 St. Michael’s Primary School, 29 Killean School Road, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 8RX
6 Brackenagh West Primary School 22 Church Road, Kilkeel, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 4QB
7 Ballyholland Primary School 60 Bettys Hill Road, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 2ND
8 St. Mary’s PS(Dechomet) 6 Closkelt Road, Dechomet, Ballyward, Castlewellan, Co. Down, BT31 9QE
9 St. Colman’s (Saval) Primary School 43 Sheeptown Road, Saval, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 2LA
10 St. Paul’s, Cabra 35 Ballykeel Road, Cabra, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 5RH
11 Cortamlet Primary School 19 Cortamlet Road, Altnamackin, Newtownhamilton, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 0EE
12 Clea PS, Keady 85 Clay Road, Keady, Armagh, Co. Armagh, BT60 3QX
13 Mullaglass Primary School 8 Goragh Road, Newry, Co. Armagh, BT35 6PZ 14 St. Patrick’s PS(Drumgreenagh) 40 Longstone Hill, Drumgreenagh, Rathfriland, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 5BT
15 St. John’s PS 14 Rathtrillick Road, Middletown, Armagh, Co. Armagh, BT60 4HT
16 Our Lady & St. Moucha’s PS 91 Derrynoose Road, Keady, Co. Armagh, BT60 3EZ
17 Dromintee Primary School 8 Ballynamadda Road, Killeavy, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 8TD.
