Road safety assessment in Kilcoo

Road safety assessment in Kilcoo

28 July 2021

SENIOR Department for Infrastructure officials have agreed to carry out a review of road safety in Kilcoo.

The commitment has been welcomed by South Down MP Chris Hazzard and local councillors Leeanne McEvoy and Cathy Mason.

They have been highlighting the road safety issue in the village and with support from the local primary school and wider Kilcoo community have secured the commitment from the government department to review the existing speed limit, road layout and potential for a new pedestrian crossing.

Describing a recent meeting with senior roads officials as “frank” Mr Hazzard said the focus was on what he described as a number of “serious road safety concerns.”

He continued: “It is very positive that roads officials have agreed to launch an immediate road safety review of the village which will address all relevant road safety issues such as speeding, road layout, safe crossing points and driver visibility.”

Cllr McEvoy said it was vital that the government department “listens and acts” to protect our Kilcoo community.

“I know from living in the village just how dangerous the main road can be with HGVs and heavy through traffic on a daily basis,” she explained. “I believe this safety assessment will be crucial to the ongoing safety of the people of Kilcoo, especially our children.”

Cllr McEvoy said she hopes roads officials will conduct the safety assessment as a matter of urgency and consult with residents “to get a true feel for road safety issues in the area”.