Dangers at Whitegate bus stops signposted

The location of two bus stops in the Whitegate area on the N3 are under review following safety concerns.

The two Bus Éireann stops are positioned on opposite sides of the road beside Whitegate fuels on a road with a 100km speed limit in place.

The issue was raised once again at last week’s Ballyjamesduff Municipal District Meeting by Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly.

The Mullagh man requested an extra bus stop be installed between Whitegate and Maghera to alleviate issues with traffic.

He believed too many cars are parking at both existing stops and one more stop on the route may solve the issue.

Engineer for the council, John McGahern responded saying another stop would be counterproductive once the N3 bypass is put in place.

He stated: “Stopping on the side of any 100 kilometre road is just dangerous.”

Mr McGahern continued by saying that he had raised an issue with the National Transport Authority (NTA) regarding the dangers surrounding the stops at Whitegate and the authority supports the proposed relocation of both stops.

He also raised the issue with Bus Éireann and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who, he said, were less optimistic about the idea.

Mr McGahern believes the relocation of the stops would solve the issue outlined by Cllr O’Reilly as any review would also look at parking options.

Fine Gael Cllr T.P. O’Reilly also welcomed the idea.