West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Tamlaght Road meeting 'Positive'

Published: 9 August, 2010

Sinn Fein Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has described as 'positive', a meeting with representatives of NI Water and local residents on the Tamlaght road area of Omagh. The meeting was to ally fears of further disruption in the area as work continues on the sewerage system upgrade in the area. The works had seen the Tamlaght road closed as well as access to the local play park and football facilities being blocked. Also involved in the meeting were representatives from DRD Roads Service and a representative form the contractor.

During the meeting on Monday residents exchanged views with the representatives from the various statutory agencies present. Whilst the residents welcomed the sewerage works the issue of contention was inconveniences including the closure of the Tamlaght and Brookemount roads and the blockage of access to the leisure facilities. A further concern was the high possibility of congestion in the area at the resumption of the school term in September.

Responding to the concerns the representatives present gave an assurance that the Tamlaght and Brookemount roads would be re-opened in time for the resumption of the school term time in September. They further revealed that they aim to have this phase of the works completed by the end of August.

As a result of the meeting a point of contact was established between residents and the contractor so that any developing situations could be addressed promptly and this would also ensure that local residents were kept fully informed of any developments on the project.

Assurances were also given that the next phase, due to take place at Clontarf, could be completed without the closure of the Clontarf road and minimal disruption caused.

Speaking following the meeting Sinn Féins Sean Begley said:

"Overall the meeting was very positive and amicable. The DRD Roads Service, NI Water as well as the contactor needs to be commended for meeting with the residents and resolving many of the issues which concerned local residents.

"Given that a point of contact was established between the contractor and the local residents this will facilitate for greater interaction and communication for any issue which may develop during the course of the project.

"The fact that this phase of the project will be completed before the return of the local school in September is welcome. There were fears of huge congestion in the area due to the ongoing works so the assurance that these works on the Tamlaght and Brookemount roads will be concluded by the end of August is a welcome one.CRÍOCH