New traffic calming measures to be introduced outside two schools in Cookstown and Coalisland
Traffic calming measures are to be introduced at two schools in the Mid Ulster district.
After much lobbying, the road safety schemes are going to be implemented at School Lane, Coalisland, and on Dunnamore Road, Cookstown, both being busy thoroughfares with primary schools.
Recommending both traffic calming schemes at the February 10 Environment committee meeting of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Varsani (Sinn Féin) said: “I’d like to propose them both. In relation to the first one in Coalisland, the head teacher [of Primate Dixon PS] who was there for a long time, Mr Seán Dillon, has retired, but he did a huge amount of work with MLA Linda Dillon and with Councillor Nuala McLernon to try and get this over the line.
“I’m delighted and hope that the parents will contact him to thank him for all the work that he did, alongside our two Sinn Féin colleagues, to get this over the line in Coalisland.”
Seconding both DfI proposals, Councillor Donna Mullin (Sinn Féin) commented: “I want to welcome this and am very pleased that the calming measures are coming to Dunnamore Road.
“It is something that I and my Sinn Féin colleagues have been involved with for a very long time, working closely with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), and it’s great to finally see this being delivered.
“It is a result of persistence, partnership, and most importantly listening to the concerns of our local residents.
“The Dunnamore Road is a busy road, used daily by families and school children.
“For years, residents have had concerns with the traffic speed and road safety, particularly around [St. Mary’s PS].
“These measures are about making the road safer for everyone, slowing traffic, reducing risk, and giving people greater confidence using this road.
“I’m delighted for the community, for the school, and I hope this brings real peace of mind to the parents, the residents, and the road users.
“I want to thank DfI for their engagement and their commitment, and the residents for their patience.
“This shows what can be achieved when we keep pushing for positive change. Today is a great day for Dunnamore.”
Councillor Mark Robinson (DUP) welcomed the news as well, and remarked that there was a need for similar measures elsewhere in the district: “I wholeheartedly endorse [the proposed traffic-calming measures].
“Just last week I’ve been contacted. It seems to be a common issue outside our schools.
“Aughnacloy PS seems to have the same issue. I’ve been working with Fivemiletown and Clogher, and I think it’s a real problem for schools, especially at the drop-off times, both morning and evening.
“The traffic just seems to have no consideration for the fact that there’s young children on the road.”
Concluding the debate, committee chair, Councillor Christine McFlynn (SDLP) remarked: “Thank you, members, for your support on that one.
“I totally agree with what the members have said. Parents want to drop their children off in safety and as best as they can, and sometimes motorists are very inconsiderate.”