To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 6994/22-27, why pedestrian safety was not a consideration in his Department’s decision.

Road safety is one of my highest priorities and I am committed to reduce and remove, where possible, those risks through engineering measures that fall within the remit of the Department.

To this end my officials have reviewed the junction of Belfast Road and Abbey Ring, Holywood in relation to pedestrian safety and concluded that the existing engineering measures are appropriate and comply with the Department’s current policy guidelines.

I am aware that there are limited parking opportunities in this area when events are being held and I would reiterate that concerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using their non-emergency number 101.