McEvoy welcomes progress on traffic congestion at Tollymore Park Gates.
Mourne Sinn Féin Council candidate Leeanne McEvoy has welcomed progress on the issue of traffic congestion in and around the exit gates of Tollymore Forest Park at busy periods.
McEvoy explained: “The residents of Bryansford Village and Burrenreagh Road are continually met with the traffic congestion as people park their cars on both side of the Hilltown and Burrenreagh roads and enter on foot to Tollymore Park through the exit gates.
“On weekends and particularly bank holiday weekends the amount of cars
parking on both side of the roads becomes a health and safety concern and it is an irritant to the local community trying to go about their daily lives.
“The problem is intensified over periods of warm weather when people flock to the park which is a popular attraction for walkers, runners and cyclists.”
The Sinn Fein representative for the area said: “As the Easter weekend approached, staff from the Forestry Service placed a large amount of cones on the roadsides in the vicinity of the exit gates.
“Over the weekend I monitored the situation and I am pleased to say on this
occasion this seems to have addressed the issue and I welcome this positive
outcome to a longstanding problem.
“Going forward, I would like to see the Forestry Service and Council working with the local community to ensure patrons of Tollymore Park use the carparks provided and avoid a scenario whereby parking on the nearby
roadsides returns.
“Tollymore Forest park is an excellent facility based on our doorstep, and we need to maximise usage of the park for both tourists and local people while all the time keeping the concerns and safety of local residents foremost in their plans.”
