A series of road safety improvements are being explored for the Monaghan Road on the outskirts of Armagh – despite the Department for Infrastructure having indicated earlier this year that no further engineering measures were planned for the route.
The busy stretch, heavily used by commuters, school traffic and local residents, has long been the focus of concerns over speeding, poor visibility at junctions and the lack of safe space for pedestrians. A series of collisions in recent months – and years – has intensified local pressure for action.
As reported by Armagh I earlier this week, departmental officials in correspondence with SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon, in January, said that following previous works on the road, including a right-turn pocket at Drumarg, “no further engineering interventions are proposed at this time”.
That response, said Cllr O’Hanlon, has led to growing frustration in the area, with residents fearing that warnings over safety were not being heeded.
However, during an on-site visit this week, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins met Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan, MP Dáire Hughes, Councillor John Óg O’Kane and Councillor Sarah Duffy to reassess the situation on the ground and to discuss a fresh package of potential improvements.
Among the options now under consideration are:
– An Active Travel Scheme to encourage walking and cycling
– Extending the existing 30mph speed limit along sections of the road
– Improved sight lines and visibility at junctions
– New or extended footpaths
– Additional street lighting where appropriate
– Traffic-calming measures to slow vehicles at key points
The renewed focus will prompt questions locally as to whether this represents a shift in thinking within the department, coming just months after officials appeared to rule out further upgrades beyond those already implemented.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Boylan said it had been “important that Minister Kimmins visited the Monaghan Road, Armagh, to see firsthand the issues impacting the community”.
“I welcome the Minister’s positive engagement and her continued commitment to improving rural infrastructure and road safety,” he said.
“We had a constructive discussion on the need for enhanced safety measures, including traffic calming, improved pedestrian infrastructure, lighting and speed reduction.
“These measures would significantly improve safety, while also delivering wider benefits for locals through investment in active travel infrastructure.”
The Sinn Féin MLA also urged residents to participate in the Department for Infrastructure’s ongoing Speed Limit Review consultation, which is examining how limits are set and enforced across Northern Ireland.
Cllr John Og O’Kane, Cathal Boylan MLA, Liz Kimmins MLA (Infrastructure Minister), Daire Hughes MP and Cllr Sarah Duffy
“Minister Kimmins’ Speed Limit Review consultation is an important initiative aimed at securing a broad range of opinions on speed limits and road safety,” he said.
“I would urge residents, particularly those directly affected by conditions on the Monaghan Road, Armagh, and surrounding areas, to engage with the consultation and ensure their views are heard.
“Sinn Féin will continue working with all to deliver improvements to our road network to develop safer roads for everyone.”
Details on how to respond to the Speed Limit Review consultation are available on the Department for Infrastructure website.
