Wilson meets DFI Minister on Gosford footbridge
Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman Gareth Wilson MLA has met DFI Minister Liz Kimmons, along with ABC Council and Forest Service officials, to discuss the need for a pedestrian footbridge across the main Newry Armagh road to Gosford Forest Park.
Mr Wilson said it was a priority for him to lobby and secure a footbridge to provide safe passage for pedestrians to and from Markethill town and the popular forest park facility.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Wilson said,:“This was a very useful conversation with Minister Kimmons and it was good to have senior ABC Council and Forest Service officials present given that progress on the footbridge will take a collaborative approach from local and regional government. The lack of safe passage for pedestrians and the numerous accidents, including sadly fatalities, along the stretch of road is a growing concern for many people and there is a real need for a footbridge to allow people to cross this very busy and fast stretch of carriageway in safety.”
He continued: “The Department for Infrastructure will be a key driver in any footbridge project and at the site visit I was encouraged by the Minister’s comments and her willingness to scope out the possibilities. I suggested that a good first step would be a technical study that would look at the sites at each side of the road and scope out the technicalities of bridging the gap between the town and the forest park in the most efficient way.”
He concluded: “Whilst of course this won’t be an overnight project, I am pleased that the conversation has now started with DFI, Council and Forest Service and I will be continuing to lobby and ensure that momentum is created to progress this important issue.”