Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

NRA claim that improvements at Ballinacarry bridge are not a priority

Published: 17 October, 2009

Sinn Féin councillor Terry Hearty has expressed his disapointment that the South's NRA (National Roads Authority) has stated that safety upgrades at Ballinacarry Bridge on Concession Rd. is no longer a priority. Cllr Hearty was commenting after receiving an update from Minister Conor Murphy at a meeting in Council buildings.

Cllr Hearty said;

"The road at Ballinacarry Bridge is one of the most dangerous bends in this area. It has been the scene of many horrific accidents and deaths over the years and has been a nightmare for local residents who have often been the people who have dealt with the carnage.

"The road is particularly dangerous for visitors to the area who do not expect such a sharp bend.

"As the bridge is in both Co. Monaghan and Co. Armagh it requires funding from bodies on both sides of the border for it to be upgraded.

"We have been lobbying for a number of years for funding from Monaghan's NRA and Roads Service here to have the bridge realligned.

"A few years ago we secured £90,00 of EU funding for a feasibility study fior the bridge.

"During the week I raised this issue with Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy. While I welcome Mr. Murphy's committment to the project and his reiteration that funding is still available from Roads Service, I am dissapointed that NRA have said that the bridge is no longer a priority.

"Conor Murphy has also committed to pursue this issue at the North South Ministerial Council. We will continue to lobby for his dangerous to be realligned for the safety of road users in the area.