DECLAN STILL CRITICAL

Little Declan Greenan remained in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital last night (Monday) after suffering a broken pelvis following the accident at Frazer Park in Annaclone.

Declan's parents Gail and Brendan are continuing to keep a vigil at their son's bedside. Speaking to the Leader, the toddler's mother recalled the moment she heard what had happened to her son.

"I was at home and Declan was up at his grandparent's house when Brendan came into the house and said Declan had been knocked down," said Gail, speaking from the Royal's Intensive Care Unit.

"I went up there straight away and saw him lying in the road. He had his eyes closed but he was crying."

It is understood the toddler's medication was reduced towards the end of last week and he moved his arm while still unconscious.

Gail, who said the family has been "inundated" with messages of support from family, friends and members of the local community, has also received a phonecall every day from the man driving the car which accidentally hit Declan.

"We know the family," said the mother-of-six. "They've phoned every single day to see how Declan's doing. I've told them not to be blaming themselves - it wasn't their fault."

While speed was not a factor in last week's accident, Gail has supported local calls for traffic calming measures in the area.

"The man was just driving along normally but I think we can say for sure that if there had been any speed involved Declan wouldn't be here," she said. "Something has to be done about the speed of drivers in the area and hopefully now someone will sit up and take notice."

A spokesperson for Roads Service said, "Roads Service will be happy to consider any changes in circumstances which may alter the priority of a scheme when details are available."