Road works on Dungannon's Market Square gets the green light

by Gráinne Connolly

A new scheme to address traffic flow and parking in Market Square, Dungannon has got the go ahead. 

It was approved on Tuesday (1 August) at Mid Ulster District Council's Planning Committee, where they also appointed a contractor. 

The scheme will see investment of just over £300K in the town centre. 

Works will begin in September that will bring alterations to the junction at Irish Street and a left only turn from Market Square onto Church Street. 

There will also be a change made to the 'Give Way' at the entrance from Thomas Street to assist with pedestrian safety. 

New and Improved pedestrian access around and across the Square is also included; together with wider parking bays for ease of customer parking, the addition of a footpath at the Square's car park and additional car parking in the square when it is not hosting events. 

Mid Ulster District Council has driven this development project in a bid to resolve problems which arose from the first phase of public realm works in the town in 2012 - it had been the subject of on-going complaints from traders and residents. 

Councillor Kim Ashton, Chair of the Council welcomed the progress: 

“The Council is aware of the frustrations which local people and businesses have experienced in the last number of years and so, to have received planning approval and also to have appointed a contractor are crucial milestones in taking forward the design changes to the Market Square.

“While the process has been lengthy, our lobbying has been rewarded and the positive impact on the ground will soon be visible in Dungannon town centre.

“We will be working hard with the contractor to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum and, as always, appreciate the support and patience of the local community, particularly our local traders, during the period of the works”.

Once the improvement scheme begins in September, it should be completed in approximately 8 weeks.