Oonagh Magennis, Sinn Féin Councillor for the Slieve Gullion area has said that DFI must get resurfacing works in the Newry, Mourne and Down area back on schedule as soon as possible after many works were pushed back to at least 2022.
Oonagh spoke after having a motion passed by the council to highlight the fact that the condition of roads across the district is at crisis point, saying;
“I am pleased to see my motion, which called on the council to acknowledge the dire state of our roads, has been passed with full cross party support.
“My party colleague, Conor Murphy MLA, the Finance Minister gave the department its largest ever Capital allocation however, due to a legal challenge much investment in our roads has been pushed back until next year
“Our roads in this area are already in terrible condition so we are calling on the Department of Infrastructure and Minister Nicola Mallon to ensure that Newry, Mourne and Down are prioritised when these works can start again.
“While I am pleased that some small-scale works are still being carried out across the district, this simply does not go far enough.
“I also welcome the decision taken this evening for the council to contact the Infrastructure Minister to clarify a timeline for the delivery of the outstanding works in the district.
“We must ensure that families across the district are safe on our roads and so urge the Department for Infrastructure to ensure that Newry, Mourne and Down is made the priority for these works when they begin.
ENDS/CRÍOCH
CLANRYE NEWS 