Road Safety: Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff

Oral Answers to Questions — Infrastructure – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 2:30 pm ar 16 Ebrill 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Kate Nicholl Kate Nicholl Alliance 2:30, 16 Ebrill 2024

T5. Ms Nicholl asked the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will commit to a renewed road safety assessment, including traffic calming measures to address speeding, of the Ballynahinch Road at Carryduff, on which there was a serious road traffic collision at the weekend. (AQT 185/22-27)

Photo of John O'Dowd John O'Dowd Sinn Féin

Again, another tragedy on our roads, and my deepest sympathies to the family of the man who lost his life.

The section office is looking at that spot to see whether there is a way to improve safety for pedestrians and other road users. There are challenges at it. I think that there is quite a narrow footpath, and there may be a challenge in relation to disability access etc, but the office has taken a look at that. Obviously, the PSNI will have to investigate the cause of the accident and do its duties. It will also provide us with a report at that stage, which my officials will also learn from, moving forward.

Photo of Kate Nicholl Kate Nicholl Alliance

Thank you, Minister. The incident that I was referring to was a young woman who did not lose her life. It was another accident, but it was very harrowing for the family, and I think that we need to look at how we improve all measures. I welcome the fact that you are looking at this.

On improving other connectivity within the area, specifically cycling, cyclists who travel from Carryduff to Belfast are very nervous. Is that something that you can look at improving too, please?

Photo of John O'Dowd John O'Dowd Sinn Féin

Apologies for mistaking the incident.

Yes. Obviously, promoting active travel is vital. I have a legal obligation and a moral obligation to promote it, and cycleways are an ideal way of doing that. It is like any change: sometimes they bring challenges, and you have to convince the communities who live along the route and other road users, and also sometimes you have to engage with landowners to bring forward new routes, new greenways or whatever it may be. So, yes, I am committed to doing that, and we will continue to work with local elected representatives and the local council to improve that.