Calls for urgent safety measures on the Monaghan Road in Armagh have intensified following a second road traffic collision in the area on Friday evening.
Police confirmed they received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the Monaghan Road – close to the Umgola Road turn-off, at approximately 5.30pm on Friday, January 16.
At this stage, it is not believed that anyone sustained serious injuries. Enquiries are ongoing and police have appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage, asking anyone with information to contact 101, quoting reference 1116 16/01/26.
The latest incident comes amid renewed pressure from Armagh SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon, who has urged Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to commission an urgent and comprehensive safety review of the Monaghan Road following what he described as a series of serious accidents in recent months.
Councillor O’Hanlon said long-standing community concerns around speeding, poor visibility and inadequate safety infrastructure have now reached a critical point.
“The Monaghan Road is one of the busiest approaches into Armagh City and is heavily used not only by motorists, but also by walkers, runners and cyclists,” he said. “It’s a major cross-border trunk route but isn’t treated that way.
“Local people have been raising concerns for years, yet the recent accidents – one of which resulted in extremely serious injuries – highlight just how urgent the need for action now is.”
He explained that councillors, both within the current ABC Council and the former Armagh City and District Council, have repeatedly called for an extension of street lighting along the route due to the dangers posed by darkness and limited visibility.
“These concerns aren’t new. The community has been calling for better street lighting, safer junctions and improved pedestrian provision for well over a decade,” he said. “What has happened in recent weeks reinforces that these safety issues can no longer be ignored or put on the long finger.”
In correspondence to the Infrastructure Minister, Councillor O’Hanlon has requested that the Department for Infrastructure carry out a full safety review of the area.
This would include an assessment of the current junction layout and existing safety measures, consideration of extending the 30mph speed limit beyond the Umgola Road junction, the provision of new footpaths for pedestrians and recreational users, and the extension of street lighting to improve visibility and reduce risk.
“People living in this area, and those who use this road daily, deserve to feel safe,” he added. “I’ve asked the Minister to confirm when a site assessment will take place, what interim measures can be introduced, and how soon meaningful improvements can be delivered.
“We cannot wait for another accident. The Department must act and act quickly to protect everyone who uses this route.”
Police continue to investigate Friday’s collision and have reiterated their appeal for information from anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant dashcam footage.
