Speed limits along a stretch of the Tempo Road in Enniskillen are unlikely to be reduced due to the “significant amount of undeveloped land” on both sides of the road.

This decision comes despite the opening of the new Devenish College on the road and concerns raised by the principal, Simon Mowbray, the Board of Governors, and Fermanagh and Omagh District Councillor, Mark Ovens.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) stated that they met with Mr. Mowbray and the PSNI at the College in November 2023. During the meeting, it was agreed that a joint speed limit assessment would be conducted in conjunction with the PSNI, using the criteria outlined in the policy for setting local speed limits in Northern Ireland.

However, a DfI spokesperson said: “At present, with a significant amount of undeveloped land still available on both sides of the carriageway leading up to and adjacent to the new school, the Department considers the existing 50mph speed limit to be appropriate for this part of the B80 Tempo Road.

“The Department will continue to monitor the situation and review the existing speed limit as more new development occurs and sites along this stretch become occupied.

“We urge all road users to think about their behaviour and drive with due care and attention. Exercise caution at all times and be mindful of other road users who may be in cars, on foot, or on bicycles.

“Concerns about driver behaviour, such as speeding or inconsiderate driving, should be directed to the PSNI, who have enforcement powers in this regard. They can be contacted on their non-emergency 101 telephone number.”

In a statement, Mr. Mowbray and the Board of Governors of Devenish College expressed that concerns have been raised by students, parents, staff, and local residents regarding the speed of traffic on the Tempo Road. The school continues to lobby for a reduction in the speed limit.

“It is crucial that this happens imminently to guarantee the safety of all road users, especially our students,” said Mr Mowbray.

Despite the DfI assessing that the 50mph speed limit remains appropriate, Mr. Mowbray disagreed, stating: “The Governors and I are not content with this outcome and have continued to pursue other avenues to ensure the safety of our students and the wider school community. We are hopeful that this matter will be resolved in the very short term. In the meantime, we urge all road users, especially those entering and leaving our school estate, to exercise the utmost caution to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Councillor Ovens also contacted the Roads Service at DfI and received confirmation that there are no plans to lower the speed limit. He had been approached by concerned parents about the speed of vehicles on the Tempo Road.

He believes that the DfI policy is “not at all consistent with common sense.”

“Whilst I have no doubt that, despite what the policy may state, it is only a matter of time before the speed limits in both areas are reduced, I worry about what it will take for that to happen.

“It would be a tragedy and an outrage if the speed limits are reduced only after more accidents or, worse, fatalities. Instead, DfI Roads should proactively move now to keep road users and pedestrians safe by lowering the speed limit in both areas,” he said.