Willie Clarke Calls For Footpath Beside Daisy Lodge

Mournes Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has written to DFI Roads Service requesting them to provide a footpath along Bryansford Road, Newcastle, from Daisy Lodge  to Tollymore Forest Park entrance.

Cllr Willie Clarke at the entrance to Daisy Lodge near Newcastle where the narrow road without an adequate footpath presents a danger to pedestrians and cyclists from the centre.

Cllr Clarke said: “I have recently met with staff from Daisy Lodge who provide free therapeutic short breaks for families whose young ones are affected by cancer. I agree with their view that the wellbeing of visitors to Daisy Lodge is being impacted by the present lack of a safe footpath.

“Children and their guardians are booking into the centre to reduce stress in their lives and to relax and I have real concerns for families who are on respite at the centre when cycling or walking to Tollymore Forest Park from Daisy Lodge.”

Cllr Clarke added: “It may be only a matter of time before a pedestrian is injured or perhaps worse, and given this road carries a large volume of traffic on a daily basis, vehicles are traveling at speeds of over 60mph.

“I strongly feel that DFI Roads, should give a high priority for a new footpath along the Bryansford Road from Daisy Lodge to Tollymore Forest Park given the special circumstances the users of Daisy Lodge face.”