Following more than 10 years of lobbying, the Department for Infrastructure have confirmed plans to refurbish a Coalisland road in dire need of repair.
The Ferry Road in the Derrylaughan area of Coalisland, which runs alongside the West-facing banks of Lough Neagh, has fallen into an increasing state of disrepair over the last number of years.
Stretching approximately two miles between Maghery and Aghamullan, the road suffers from areas of subsidence, uneven surface and a littering of potholes – some even waist deep!
Councillor Malachy Quinn is one of several local representatives who have been lobbying for the works since 2014.
And, thanks to their perseverance, a permanent solution is in sight, as DfI have now confirmed they intend to carry out upgrades to the road within the next year.
Yet, while the promise of work is a notable achievement, Councillor Quinn insists that the “fight isn’t over”.
Pressing the need for “full road reconstruction” rather than resurfacing and a total of £350,000 to facilitate the works, the councillor added: “This is a major step forward, but the fight isn’t over.
“There’s still work to be done to secure this investment, and I’ll be lobbying the DfI Minister to back these plans. Residents and businesses along Ferry Road deserve a permanent solution—not just another quick fix!
“I’ll keep you all updated as this progresses. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.”
Independent Republican Councillor, Dan Kerr added: “After many years of lobbying I have been updated by Road Service that £350K investment is being sought for a full road refurbishment for the Ferry Road in the Derrylaughan area.
“This is the only viable option as previous resurfacing and other small patch jobs haven’t worked unfortunately.
“If the funding is agreed and investment successfully sought, work will begin in the 2025/26 financial year (after April 2025).
“From first being elected in 2019 I’ve made several representations to Roads Service for a long term fix/permanent solution.”
