'Serious' concerns have been raised over the condition of the Derrylin Road near Macken.

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan McArdle and residents believe there has been a “lack of maintenance” on the Derrylin Road, which serves as the main thoroughfare between Enniskillen and Dublin, over the past 15 years.

They have raised particular safety concerns regarding the stretch of the Derrylin Road or A509 between its junction at the Inishmore Road and the Cloniff Road near McCorry’s Shop. Councillor McArdle along with residents  Patrick Murphy, Andy Maguire, Patrick Keenan, and Gerry Rasdale, all expressed “serious concerns” about the lack of maintenance on this stretch of road over the past 15 years.

Councillor McArdle said: “With the increasing volume of traffic using the road and the upcoming development of the new Enniskillen Bypass, it has become critical for the Department for Infrastructure to prioritise improvements to this section of the A509.”

Mr. Rasdale, whose family own a popular holiday home, noted that visitors frequently comment on the beauty of the area in their guest book, but they also highlight the dangerous condition of this part of the road for both pedestrians and road users.

Councillor McArdle said: “This section of the A509 serves as a vital artery connecting Enniskillen to Cavan and further to Dublin. It is heavily trafficked by large transportation lorries, buses, and other vehicles making their way from Dublin to Donegal”

He also raised concerns about the traffic volume and speed on the road: “The high traffic volume and speed are particularly concerning, as they pose significant risks to vehicles entering and exiting the road, especially from smaller rural roads such as Clonliff Road and Graffy Road, which form a staggered junction near McCorry’s Petrol Station.”

Councillor McArdle and the residents are urging the Department for Infrastructure to address these issues urgently to ensure the safety of all road users and to support the continued growth and development of the area.

The Department of Infrastructure was contacted for comment on this issue and at the time of writing had not responded to The Impartial Reporter’s query.