Concerns over ‘notorious’ road close to Gaelscoil

A FURTHER examination of the Drumnakilly Road close to Gaelscoil Na gCrann is to take place to see if further safety measures are required in the area.

The assessment on this stretch at Ballinamullin is going to include an updated collision history from the PSNI and examine the traffic speeds and behaviour of drivers, especially at school opening and closing times.

It follows concerns about the number of collisions which have been raised by West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA, Declan McAleer.

The Department for Infrastructure says that, subject to the findings of the assessment, they will consider the provision of additional road safety measures at the Gaelscoil.

Large school warning signs, additional chevron signs and junction ahead signs were added in the area, but these were subsequently damaged due to further collisions.

Daniel Healy, Divisional Roads Manager, said that any potential schemes will also have to compete along with other viable schemes for inclusion in a future works programme.

“The Department is currently implementing tranche two of the part-time 20mph at schools’ initiative and it is our intention to carry out a review of the benefits of the programme once all of the tranche two sites are fully operational and have had sufficient time to bed in,” he said.

“In the event of a further roll-out of these measures at schools, Gaelscoil Na gCrann will be considered along with other schools that do not already have such measures, for inclusion in future tranches of the programme.”

Mr McAleer described the stretch of road in the area as ‘notorious’ and one which has become a ‘hotspot for collisions’.

“The danger is compounded by the fact that this area is always busy with people, mostly young people attending the GAA grounds, the school and Dun Uladh,” he said.

“The DFI have acknowledged that some of the warning signs they recently erected have since been damaged by further collisions.

“I have asked that this location be prioritised for inclusion on the Safer Routes to School programme and for the implementation of wider safety measures.”