Ballynahinch school gets minister’s crossing pledge

Ballynahinch school gets minister’s crossing pledge

19 March 2025

ROADS Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that there will be a new pedestrian crossing outside Ballynahinch Primary School as early as this summer.

Ms Kimmins delivered the good news when she visited the school last week.

It marks the successful completion of a long standing campaign by pupils and staff for a safer crossing outside the school in Dromore Street.

P6 pupils had written letters to local councillors last year and some of them were read out to the minister during her visit last Wednesday.

Ms Kimmins spoke with pupils, staff and members of the school PTA. She also commended the pupils on their campaign. 

She was joined by two DfI officials who took questions from her audience.

The news has been welcomed by local representatives.

DUP councillor Callum Bowsie praised the pupils for their continued campaign for a safer crossing outside their school. 

“After requests to the minister last year, I was eventually able to arrange for the new Infrastructure Minister to visit the school to hear for herself the wonderful letters the P6 pupils wrote to their elected representatives last year demanding a crossing outside their school like elsewhere in the town,” he said.

“I think the pupils will be greatly encouraged to see ‘the boss of all the roads in Northern Ireland’ [as I introduced her] take such a visible interest in their efforts to improve the road safety of their school and be engaged in local citizenship.”

Alliance MLA Nick Mathison and local councillor David Lee-Surginor also welcomed the announcement.

Mr Mathison said he was “delighted” that the minister had announced the installation of a safe crossing.

“For months, I have been engaging with both the previous Infrastructure Minister and the Department to stress the importance of road safety and protecting the pupils here.

“The children have run a fantastic campaign, which not only raised awareness but also earned them a road safety award. Their hard work has truly paid off with this vital improvement,” he said.

Cllr Lee-Surginor said that it was “a pleasure” to welcome the minister to meet the pupils and staff who have worked so hard on this campaign. 

“This new crossing is essential for the safety of students, parents and staff alike,” he remarked.

“I am hopeful it will also encourage drivers to reduce their speed near the school, ultimately preventing future accidents.

“This is a much-needed addition for road safety in Ballynahinch and I look forward to seeing it implemented soon.”