New traffic scheme could get the green light in Dungannon

by Q Radio News

A new traffic management scheme in Dungannon may get the green light.

The scheme will address traffic flow and parking in Market Square.

It’s just been submitted for planning approval.

The project has been spearheaded by Mid Ulster District Council.

It’s in a bid to resolve problems which arose from the first phase of public realm works in 2012.

They ‘ve been the subject of on-going complaints from traders and residents.

Among the proposals are wider parking bays.

Subject to planning approval, work will begin later this year.

Among the proposed changes are alterations to the junction at Irish Street and a left turn only from Market Square onto Church Street.

The proposals also include a change to the Give Way at the entrance at Thomas Street to assist with pedestrian safety, new and improved pedestrian access around and across the Square and wider parking bays for ease of customer parking.

Also, the addition of a footpath at the Square’s car park and additional car parking in the square when it is not hosting events will also be considered.

Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, Councillor Dominic Molloy, has welcomed the progress on the much needed scheme revisions.

He’s also spoken of some of the frustrations experienced by businesses in getting to this point.

“Market Square is at the heart of Dungannon’s trading centre and is also where Ranfurly House acts as the gateway to the heritage site, Hill of the O’Neill, so the importance of this scheme can’t be underestimated,” he says.

“We are very pleased to reach the point where we can now submit an application for what are relatively modest alterations to the Market Square area. The development of these design details has involved protracted and lengthy consultations with Transport NI and other statutory bodies. In bringing forward these design changes, it should be said that we have been constrained by a clear need not to jeopardise the funding put in place for the original scheme,” he adds.

Cllr Molloy also says this has undoubtedly been frustrating both for the Council and for the people of Dungannon who have been lobbying for improvements for some years.

“While the issues are not of our making, we have finally brokered an agreement which subject to planning approval will see work begin later this year,” he adds.