Road and traffic issues in west Belfast have been on the agenda during a recent meeting.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd visited the area, meeting with members of the community and elected representatives at a number of sites to hear their concerns and discuss potential actions.

The Minister visited the junction of McKinstry Road and The Cutts to discuss road safety issues and held a meeting with Hannahstown Community Association regarding the provision of a new footway through the village.

Minister O'Dowd said: "I was pleased to visit a number of sites in west Belfast today to receive representations on behalf of residents on important issues such as road maintenance, active travel schemes and traffic calming measures. I am committed to listening to local people and delivering improvements where it is possible to do so.   

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"I am very aware of the public concerns about right-turn facilities at the junction of McKinstry Road and The Cutts. The solution identified to address this issue involves fully controlling the right turn movements within the signal phasing and I am pleased to advise that the detailed design for such a scheme has recently been completed and land acquisition is also progressing. My officials are also working on preparation of the contract documents for the scheme. Subject to availability of resources, this will allow the Department to take the scheme forward upon satisfactory completion of the land acquisition process.

"I also had a very useful meeting with Hannahstown Community Association and assured them that improving facilities for pedestrians in Hannahstown is a priority for me. My Department is fully committed to progressing the design of the proposed new footway as soon as is practicable. The delivery of the scheme will be subject to the availability of funding when all statutory processes have been completed."