Two schools serving the Armagh area are among 33 across Northern Ireland set to receive part-time 20mph speed limits under the latest phase of a road safety programme.

Lisnadill Primary School in Armagh and St John’s Primary School in Middletown are included in the fourth tranche announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins on October 22, 2026. The new restrictions are intended to operate during the morning arrival and afternoon departure periods, when children are travelling to and from school.

The announcement comes as Ballydown Primary School in Banbridge is also due to benefit from the scheme after repeated calls for safety improvements. Parents there had raised concerns about congestion and dangerous driving during drop-off and pick-up times.

Schools included in the Southern Division

The Department for Infrastructure’s published list identifies 17 schools in its Southern Division, alongside two in the Northern Division and 15 in the Western Division. The Southern Division schools are:

  • Lisnadill Primary School, Armagh
  • Ballydown Primary School, Banbridge
  • St Joseph’s Primary School, Madden
  • St Brigid’s Primary School, Drumilly
  • St Michael’s Primary School, Killean
  • Brackenagh West Primary School, Kilkeel
  • Ballyholland Primary School, Newry
  • St Mary’s Primary School, Dechomet
  • St Colman’s Primary School, Saval
  • St Paul’s, Cabra
  • Cortamlet Primary School, near Newtownhamilton
  • Clea Primary School, Keady
  • Mullaglass Primary School, Newry
  • St Patrick’s Primary School, Drumgreenagh
  • St John’s Primary School, Middletown
  • Our Lady and St Moucha’s Primary School, Keady
  • Dromintee Primary School, near Killeavy, Newry

Rural roads and wider speed-limit review

The selected schools are on rural roads where the national speed limit currently applies and traffic speeds are generally higher. The Department for Infrastructure says the scheme is focused on places where children may be exposed to faster-moving vehicles.

The latest phase brings the number of schools covered by the programme to 307 since 2020/21. It follows an earlier tranche involving 40 rural schools, most of which now have their part-time limits in operation. The remaining installations are expected to be completed shortly.

Ms Kimmins said the measures were designed to protect children travelling on foot, by bicycle, by car or on public transport. She said: “Children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads and I remain committed to doing what I can to improve their safety.”

The minister also acknowledged that schools in urban and residential areas could benefit from lower speed limits. A public consultation held earlier in 2026 included the option of permanent 20mph limits outside schools in more built-up areas. Its findings are expected to inform the next stage of the review and any future proposals.

Proposed bus-overtaking law

Alongside the school speed-limit announcement, Ms Kimmins confirmed she had brought forward a proposal for Executive consideration to prohibit drivers from overtaking a stationary bus on a 60mph single-carriageway road. The proposed legislation is intended to reduce risks to children boarding and leaving buses, but would require the necessary agreement before it could proceed.

The minister urged all road users to take responsibility by reducing speed and avoiding mobile phone use while driving.