Two additional County Armagh primary schools have been identified for the introduction of part-time speed calming measures under the Department for Infrastructure’s 20mph speed limit at schools scheme.
The safety measure will be introduced as part of tranche three of the programme, whereby a total of 40 schools across Northern Ireland will receive the new part-time speed limit.
In September, a meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council learned three schools in the locality had been earmarked for the improvements, including Drumhillery Primary at Middletown, Foley Primary on the Ballymacnab Road, and St Mary’s Primary School at Granemore.
However, unionist councillors in the Cusher area raised several other schools which they feel should be added to the list – not least Markethill High.
The announcement that two additional schools have been added was made in response to a request from Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley, who asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the implementation of the zones to schools within his constituency and when future tranches will be announced.
Minister Liz Kimmins explained her stance on the programme: “Road safety is a high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone. I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads.”
Ms Kimmins added that – once the 40 new zones have been implemented – this will bring the total delivered across Northern Ireland to 273 schools since 2020/21.
Added the Minister: “This initiative is a significant intervention that will help to ensure that children, parents and staff feel safer as they travel to and from school on a daily basis.
“While the Tranche 3 programme focuses on schools on rural roads where the national speed limit applies, I am aware that there are schools in urban and residential areas which would also benefit from a reduction in speed limits.
“I have therefore asked my officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20mph speed limits particularly near schools, in predominately residential areas and places such as town centres where there is a higher number of those walking and cycling.
“My Department is also carrying out a review on a number of speed related matters including 20mph speed limits in general and I plan to undertake a public consultation exercise as part of this review. Further consideration on the use of part time speed limits at schools will be taken on completion of the consultation.”
The additional schools identified locally for part-time speed measures include St Oliver’s Primary School, Cullyhanna and St Teresa’s Primary School, Mountnorris.
In relation to calls for Markethill High School to be added to the list, Independent Unionist Alderman Paul Berry seconded TUV Councillor Keith Ratcliffe’s proposal at the last meeting of Council.
He revealed: “I actually had written to the Minister for the DfI who very promptly came back and assured me it would be considered in relation to the 20mph speed limit outside Markethill Primary School and Markethill High School. This Mowhan Road is a very, very busy road, a lot of traffic on it, a lot of children crossing the road, from the town itself of Markethill but also from the rural areas.
“Whilst I welcome the Minister’s letter, engaging with the principals of both schools and the parents who raised it with me, I think it’s very important that we continue to keep the pressure on this. I believe that one day a speed limit will be put on this road. I do believe it.”
