Little is being done to address the far-from-new problems with congestion around Armagh, with plans for long-awaited link roads being “pushed further down the line”.
That’s the assessment from Newry and Armagh DUP MLA Gareth Wilson, who had pressed Roads Minister Liz Kimmins to detail what action her Department for Infrastructure was taking to bring about relief.
Having done that – and received his answer – the DUP Assemblyman is far from impressed and voiced frustration at what he describes as a “lack of progress”.
Minister Kimmins had said DfI was “aware” of congestions within Armagh, particularly during peaks times.
But this, she added, was “consistent with traffic patterns and conditions in many towns and cities across the North”.
Ms Kimmins continued: “While opportunities to further enhance traffic flow at the city’s major junctions are currently limited, officials will continue to monitor, review and address any safety-related concerns within the city centre to ensure a safe and efficient environment for all road users.
“The Department is currently developing the new Regional Strategic Transport Plan to 2035, which will set out priorities for investment across the regional trunk road, rail and inter-urban bus networks, as well as park and ride and park and share provision.
“Work is underway to assess current and future transport challenges and opportunities across the network. This process will enable both new and existing schemes — including proposals such as the Armagh East and Armagh North and West Link — to be considered alongside other potential improvements to the strategic road network.
“A draft Plan is expected to be published for public consultation in late 2026. Stakeholder views will be actively sought and carefully considered before the Plan is finalised.”
Mr Wilson, meanwhile, said people across Armagh will be “deeply disappointed” by the Ministerial response.
“Traffic congestion in the city is not a new issue,” he said. “It is something residents, businesses and commuters have been dealing with for years, yet we are still being told that proposals are being considered and that plans are being developed.
“The Department acknowledges that congestion is a significant problem, particularly during peak periods, but there appears to be little urgency in moving from discussion to delivery. Local people are rightly asking how much longer they must wait for meaningful action.
“Schemes such as the Armagh East Link and the Armagh North and West Link have been spoken about for many years. While it is important that they are considered as part of wider transport planning, there is a growing concern that these projects are continually being pushed further down the line rather than progressed.”
The local MLA confirmation by the Minister that a draft transport plan would be published for consultation until later this year meant “more waiting, more assessment and more delay for communities that have already been waiting far too long”.
Mr Wilson added: “I am urging the Department to take a far more proactive approach to tackling congestion in Armagh. It cannot simply continue monitoring the situation while motorists, local businesses and residents bear the consequences of inadequate infrastructure.
“There needs to be a clear commitment to advancing solutions, keeping to timelines and ensuring that important infrastructure projects do not slip any further. Armagh deserves action, not another round of discussions about problems that everyone already recognises.
“I will continue to press the Department to ensure that Armagh receives the investment and attention required to address these persistent congestion issues and deliver the improvements that local people have been calling for over many years.”
