Carrickfergus

Please note that the views expressed in the below consultation summary were recorded during the Reference Group meeting held September 2001 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BMTP team.

Introduction

CA particular, indeed dominant, concern of this group was the impact that congestion on the A2 is having on the future of the town as a business and residential location serving Belfast. The road is seriously constricted at a number of points and previous attempts to address the problem have been thwarted through a lack of co-ordination between development and transport policies. Because of the problems on the A2 traffic is diverting to the B90 which itself is now becoming congested. The rail link which could have been developed to carry commuter traffic has serious capacity constraints owing to the single track over the stretch past Whitehead.

Given the importance of the A2, the group indicated that the problem of constrictions on the A2 must be addressed as a matter of priority and the possibility of upgrading the rail link should be seriously explored.

Road Traffic Congestion

Pinch Points

A2/Shore Road is main cause for concern B90

Causes of Road Traffic Congestion

The narrowness of A2 in places is ‘strangling’ access Carrick

Building has occurred on land that was previously designated to improve road capacity. There seems to lack of liaison between planning services

Bus lanes not being sufficiently used is adding to the congestion

Congestion Impact

A2 problem is seen as a major impediment to inward investment to Carrickfergus and why the development of Mallusk in Newtownabbey has accelerated

There is a concern over emergency vehicle access using A2, B90 and other local roads. There has been a migration of services away from Whiteabbey to Antrim Hospital

Pedestrian safety on the Albert Road, Glenfield Road, Belfast Road, North Road is a cause of concern

Other Road Issues

Abbey Centre provides the commercial/retail focus rather than Carrick centre – outward roads make it easier to reach the Abbey Centre
B90 is becoming focus for development
People in new housing developments not using Carrickfergus
Sirens on emergency vehicles not being sounded poses danger for pedestrians as does speed of traffic in centre
Centralisation of health and other services means that people are having to make longer and more difficult journeys

Public Transport

No public transport out to local destinations such as Ballyclare
There is an ageing population with implications for future PT dependency
Lack of direct routes to key services. For example it is necessary to go into the centre of Belfast and out again to go to Antrim Hospital
Single track limits the frequency of the train service to Belfast. It is particularly frustrating when a train breaks down

Cycling/Walking

Need to overcome severance between the Carrickfergus Castle and the town centre
Path at the back between houses has turned into nuisance and security concern
Missing sections of footpath poses problems for mobility impaired
No pedestrian access to new PO from centre