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

Public Meeting was Useful and Constructive - Brady

Published: 29 August, 2008

Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Mickey Brady has said that the recent Public Information meeting in relation to the new A1 Bypass, which took place in Corrinshego GAA Club had been useful and constructive.

"This was a useful meeting and gave local residents as well as sporting and voluntary groups in the locality an opportunity to view in detail the project and to raise issues of concern with Roads Service and the Contractors. There are genuine concerns about both short term and long term issues such as, ongoing works, safety, pedestrian access, noise pollution, landscaping and road lighting and it was agreed that through the liaison Committee and elected representatives we would discuss these and other aspects with Roads Service and the Contractors, and try as best as practically possible to eradicate those worries" said the MLA

Mr. Brady also commended all those involved in facilitating and coordinating the Information Meeting.

"This is the most effective means in order to communicate with people. I would expect that this type of meeting will continue as the major development continues" said Mickey.

His colleague Councillor Pat McGinn echoed the MLA's sentiments and said that it was essential that a balance between the successful completion and use of the major road project and the impact on communities and residents living along the road was achieved.

"There needs to be strict monitoring of traffic flows in the vicinity of

Chancellors Road

and Doran's Hill. There has been an ongoing campaign to ensure that adequate traffic calming measures are put in place on these roads. Many of us feel that traffic will continue to increase along these routes and measures need to be taken"

Cllr McGinn also stated that communities could not be sold short on issues such asroad lighting, landscaping and noise pollution.

"We secured a commitment at the Public Enquiry into this project that these issues would be addressed and would be continuously monitored. We expect those commitments to be honoured"

"I also raised the Camlough Road Junction issue at the meeting. Questions in relation to the traffic flow, congestion, impact on local residents and roads in the Millvale and Derramore areas need to be answered. We have been assured that model proposals will come before Council and into the public domain shortly".