Early morning gas roadworks are upsetting householders

Early morning gas roadworks are upsetting householders

17 January 2018

CONCERN has been expressed that contractors working on a £6m scheme to bring natural gas to 5,000 homes and businesses in Downpatrick are disturbing residents during the early morning.

Phoenix Gas contractors currently working in Church Street begin their shift at 7am which is upsetting residents, according to councillor Gareth Sharvin. Later today, along with colleagues John Trainor and Dermot Curran, he will meet company representatives and request the work starts at 8am.

There was significant traffic congestion on a number of the main approach roads to Downpatrick last week as contractors started to lay a new mains pipe, with traffic backed up from the New Bridge Street roundabout to beyond the Down Business Centre at the Belfast Road at one stage. There were also long tailbacks along the Old Belfast and Strangford roads.

In response to local concern, Phoenix took steps to address the issue and councillor Sharvin is hoping today’s meeting will result in other issues which have been highlighted with local politicians being sorted.

“A number of elderly residents and those who work night shifts live at this part of the town and for them to be woken up at 7am by the sound of drills and digging is not acceptable,” said councillor Sharvin. “Residents have asked if the work start time can be a delayed start until 8am and I will be making this suggestion to Phoenix Gas at today’s meeting.”

The Downpatrick councillor said the meeting will focus on the work the gas company is undertaking across the town as part of its multi-million pound investment.

“The talks will assess the impact the work has had on the local road infrastructure, traders and residents. Downpatrick SDLP councillors believe it is vitality important to have regular and structured meetings with Phoenix to enable us to raise people’s concerns with the organisation,” said councillor Sharvin.

“Last week, one lane in Market Street was closed off while Phoenix carried out work laying pipes and this had an impact on congestion in Irish Street and traffic leaving the Edward Street junction. These are areas I have also raised with Transport NI to investigate what work we can do to improve both junctions going forward.” 

He added: “I have also been contacted by traders who have concerns around the impact the road works is having on their business and these will be raised with Phoenix officials today.”

A Phoenix spokeswoman said the company is pleased with the progress of construction work in Downpatrick, explaining that despite undertaking work in some of the most challenging parts of the town centre, such as Market Street, New Bridge Street and Church Street, construction is on schedule with the temporary one-way system in place in Market Street last week now removed.

“Phoenix Gas enjoys regular, daily engagement with key stakeholders in the area, including councillors, to update on progress and review feedback on the construction programme,” she continued.

“Whilst we are working hard to mitigate against unnecessary impact to local businesses and residents by working efficiently, we do acknowledge that the associated works will cause some frustration at times.”

The spokeswoman added: “We look forward to meeting again with councillors today to discuss the next phase of works in Downpatrick.”