One of the main roads in Downpatrick is in such a bad state it is “unsafe,” a local MLA has warned. Colin McGrath said he has “serious concern” about the “deteriorating condition” of the Belfast Road.
He added that the road’s condition is causing frustration for the people who use it daily. “Local people are being left to deal with unsafe and unacceptable driving conditions,” said the SDLP MLA.
“The state of the road has worsened significantly in recent months, with potholes, uneven surfaces and general wear creating daily frustration for motorists and posing a real risk to safety. Anyone travelling this stretch of road knows just how bad it has become. This is not a minor inconvenience, it is a growing hazard for drivers, cyclists and all road users. People are rightly angry that such a key route into Downpatrick has been allowed to fall into this condition,” he added.
The South Down Assembly member said that when roads are this bad, it causes damage to vehicles, which hits families financially. “Vehicle damage caused by poor road surfaces is becoming increasingly common. At a time when people are already under pressure, the last thing they need is costly repairs because of neglected infrastructure. It is simply not good enough that this road has been allowed to deteriorate to this extent,” he said.
Mr McGrath is now calling on the Department for Infrastructure to “urgently assess” the Belfast Road and “commit to a full programme of repairs.” He said the road is a “vital route” for people living in Downpatrick, those travelling to and from work, and visitors to the town.
“As the main arterial route into our town it deserves proper investment and maintenance. I will be raising this issue directly with the Minister (Liz Kimmins MLA) and pressing for immediate action to bring this road back up to a safe and acceptable standard,” he said.
Mr McGrath also encouraged local residents to continue reporting problems they encounter on the area’s roads. “Collective pressure is needed to ensure the situation is addressed without further delay.”
