St John's Primary School Kingisland secures long-awaited 20mph speed limit

ST JOHN’S Primary School Kingsisland, near Coalisland, has been approved for a new 20mph speed limit on Reenaderry Road, following years of concerns from parents and residents about road safety.

The approval follows sustained efforts to improve safety for children travelling to and from the school, as well as pupils using nearby school bus stops along the busy stretch of road.

Local families have repeatedly raised concerns about vehicle speeds in the area, calling for additional measures to protect children and improve safety for pedestrians.

The new speed limit marks a significant step towards addressing those concerns and means every primary school in the parish has now had a reduced speed limit approved or introduced.

Mid Ulster SDLP councillor, Malachy Quinn, who has worked alongside parents, residents and Department for Infrastructure officials on the issue for several years, welcomed the decision.

Welcoming the announcement, Councillor Quinn said: "I am absolutely delighted that Kingsisland Primary School has finally been approved for a 20mph speed limit. This has been a long time coming and is something I have been working towards for many years.

"Over that time, I have held numerous meetings with parents, residents and Department for Infrastructure officials, requested speed indicator signs and continually pressed for improvements to road safety in the area.

"This is a particularly busy stretch of road, not just for children attending Kingsisland Primary School, but also for the many pupils who use the nearby school bus stops. Parents have been raising legitimate concerns about vehicle speeds and the safety of their children for years, and I am delighted that those concerns have finally been recognised."

Councillor Quinn also highlighted the significance of the approval, which means every primary school in the parish has now had a reduced speed limit approved or introduced during his time as a councillor.

He continued: "One of the things I am particularly proud of is that, since becoming a councillor, I have worked to secure reduced speed limits at every primary school in the parish.

"Kingsisland was the final school awaiting approval, and to have now reached that milestone is something I am extremely pleased about.

"On a personal level, it makes this announcement even more special because Kingsisland is the primary school I attended myself. I know the road well, I know the school and I understand just how important this improvement will be for the families who use it every day.”

Councillor Quinn thanked the parents and residents who have continued to work with him and raise these concerns over the years.