Work to start on traffic calming measures outside school

TRAFFIC calming measures are being introduced in the vicinity of a rural primary school between Cookstown and Coagh, after parents and teachers raised concerns about speeding motorists.

In a letter sent to local SDLP representatives, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed that construction work on the measures and associated signage is due to begin at St Malachy’s Primary School on Moneyhaw Road, Drummullan.

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, said, “We welcome the confirmation from DfI Roads that work will begin shortly on the traffic calming measures at St Malachy’s Primary School, Drummullan.

“We have been lobbying on behalf of the school and its pupils for these important measures for some time. When completed, they will greatly improve road safety at the site for everyone attending.”

His party colleague, Cookstown councillor, Kerri Martin, added, “Parents and teachers at the school have raised with us their concerns about road safety at the school repeatedly, with the speed of traffic a particular worry.”

The councillor said that, in response to these concerns, DfI Roads had assessed the site for the proposed traffic calming measures.

“That assessment has now confirmed both the need for the measures and the support of the local community for those measures,” she added.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of March.

Mr McGlone added, “We will continue to work with the school and DfI Roads to ensure that any disruption for the local community is kept to a minimum. The SDLP will continue to lobby for further investment in road safety across our rural road network.”