Cllr Haughey said, “Since my election I have fought hard on behalf of the residents of the Canal Bank Road in Poyntzpass and I, like residents, am frustrated that there has been no adequate resolution to the ongoing problem there.
“The Canal Bank Road is part of the Newry-Portadown Canal Towpath, which means the road receives a high volume of cyclists and walkers. It’s the only part of the towpath that’s a public road. The problem is the road is so narrow there is no room for residents to overtake cyclists and walkers, and there is little room for the cyclists and walkers to stand in.
“I have fought hard for a cycle lane for the Canal Bank Road as I believe this is the only resolution to the problem. I acknowledge that Road Service have taken my advice on this matter and have drawn up a plan for a cycle lane. However, as yet, there has been no money allocated to this project and I find that very frustrating.
“The towpath has been hugely successful and is an important facility for local people and tourists to enjoy the great outdoors and to improve their health and wellbeing. Hugh numbers of people are using the towpath, with counters showing that footfall is second to the Giants Causeway, which really highlights the importance and value of the towpath.
“However one key problem of the towpath is when it merges onto the public road at Canal Bank. This has caused untold distress and annoyance for residents and I feel it is the duty of Road Service and the joint councils to resolve this issue.
“It has been reported to me that resident drivers and cyclists and walkers have had serious arguments on the road, as everyone thinks they have priority. I have had reports of residents having to sit behind cyclists travelling at 10MPH for the entire stretch of the road. There have been many reports of verbal abuse also. The whole situation is getting out of hand.
“I realise that funds are low for Road Service at present, which may delay the cycle lane proposal, however I have asked Road Service to take immediate action to help solve some of the problems being faced by residents.
“I have recommended that the ultimate resolution is the provision of a cycle lane, but until that is delivered I have asked Road Service to erect new signage at the laybys that were formed a few years ago after I brought this issue to the attention of Road Service. I believe there should be back-to-back signs on these laybys telling cyclists and walkers to pull in and to use the laybys to let drivers past.
“I have also asked Armagh Council to change the road name sign from ‘Canal Bank’ to ‘Canal Bank Road’ so that it is clear that this is a public road. I have also asked the Towpath committee to look at this matter and consider erecting additional advice signs coming off the towpath onto the public road.
“I urge all cyclists and walkers to use the laybys provided and to respect residents.
“This is a serious issue impacting on the residents of the Canal Bank Road, I have taken calls from most households there pleading for something to be done and assure residents that I will continue to fight this issue until we have a satisfactory resolution.”