MLA concerned roadside verges affect safety for drivers

by Gráinne Connolly

Sinn Féin Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Seán Lynch has said that road safety is being put at risk due to to length of grass verges and the reduced cutting. 

He said:

“Unless the Department of Infrastructure reinstates the previous policy of two cuts per year, road safety is being put at risk.

"The Department of Infrastructure has reduced grass cutting along roads side verges to one cut per year.

“In some cases that cut took place in early May.  This grass is now over two feet high in places.

“Many rural road users across Fermanagh are experiencing difficulty in seeing oncoming traffic at many road junctions and on bends because of the length of grass.

"I have been inundated with calls about this problem from both drivers and pedestrians.

“The reality is that, unless the Department reverses its current position and implements at least two cuts, the visibility and safety of road users are being put at risk.

"I have visited a number of roads in the Kinawley, Derrylin and Lisnaskea areas to see for myself the state of the grass verges.  I am meeting the Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure next week to raise this issue.” 

Photo: Seán Lynch MLA along with Kinawley-man Terence Baxter inspecting roadside verges which are blocking visibility for motorists and pedestrians.