Concerns have been raised by both the Derry County Board and MLA for East Derry, Cathal Ó hOisín, over the ‘dangerous’ lack of street lighting along a stretch of road outside Derry’s second county ground, Owenbeg.
The Foreglen Road is frequently used in the evenings by walkers, school kids and young footballers from the surrounding areas of Dungiven, Foreglen and Dernaflaw as well as visitors to the county ground.
During games at Owenbeg, spectators will often use the side of the busy stretch of road to park along.
The lack of lighting on both sides of this road has however become a rising concern of late, due to wintery weather conditions and dark nights, which can make it extremely difficult for motorists to detect pedestrians along the side of the road.
A spokesperson for the County Board, spoke to DerryNow.com about the increasingly dangerous situation on the Foreglen Road, saying that: “In line with our strategic and ongoing efforts to improve the welfare and safety of our patrons, we would welcome all assistance on measures to do likewise in the immediate area outside Owenbeg.”
Following an emergency road safety meeting held earlier in week between the Minister for the Environment, Mark H Durkan and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Forum, in response to the alarming number of deaths on the road across the North already this January, it was agreed that more needed to be done to keep road users safe.
MLA for East Derry, Cathal Ó hOisín, has this week said that the Foreglen Road is a prime example of an area in much need of road safety improvements.
The Sinn Féin representative recently met with senior Roads Service officials to discuss the current safety issues along this stretch of road.
Speaking to the County Derry Post, Mr. Ó hOisín said: “There are of course problems, as witnessed at recent matches at the GAA Centre of Excellence, with parking and with people making their way to and from games along this unlit and very fast stretch of road.
“At a recent meeting with Roads Services, they confirmed to me, improvements are being considered for the area and that a ‘Park and Ride’ has been identified as a potential development near the Owenbeg ground, which would service the 212 Derry to Belfast Goldliner. I would urge that this be progressed with every urgency.”
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.
