HL Deb 14 January 2003 vol 643 cc27-8WA
Lord Kilclooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the security barrier has been retained across Tower Hill, Armagh City; which authority opposes the opening of this roadway; and what proposals there are to reduce the traffic delays from the junction of the Tower Hill and the Portadown Road towards Armagh City. [HL550]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The barrier at Tower Hill in Armagh belongs to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and has been retained to provide necessary protection against an attack on the nearby Gough Barracks complex. The road was closed subject to a Section 26/3 temporary road closure.

The delays for traffic emerging from Tower Hill are not considered to be too onerous and there are no proposals to carry out any road-related measures at this time. PSNI is re-assessing the need to retain the barrier in a closed position.