Motion proposed for speed ramps to enhance safety near Childcare Facility in Leitrim

Ballinamore Municipal District were asked on July 22 what extra safety measures could be put in place on the approach road from the Mohill / Carrick side (R202-28) towards the Ballinamore childcare facility to slow down on-coming traffic. 

The motion was proposed by Cllr Gary Prior.

He remarked that the current speed of traffic is a very serious matter of safety concern, particularly at drop-off and pick-up times. Cllr Prior asked Ballinamore M.D. to consider a speed ramp on the approach road to combat the issue.

"It was something that popped up many times on the doors when I was canvassing but I suppose living locally I can see it myself," Cllr Prior said.

"There's a bit of an incline coming down there just before the school around that turn and the parents are pulling in and pulling out at pick up times. There's a lot of kids and activity there.

"The traffic coming in especially from the Carrick/Mohill side does come at high speed unfortunately.

"A lot of parents approached me locally to see if something could be done about it," Cllr Prior explained.

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In a response from the Roads department, attendees at the meeting were informed that Scoil Chlann Naofa, located approximately 250 meters from the childcare facility, has been selected for round three of the Safe Route to School scheme. As a result, the National Transport Authority will conduct parent surveys and walkability audits in the coming months. These efforts will be aimed at preparing a Delivery Plan for the Council.

The Active Travel team will apply for funding in 2025 to advance this project, which will include assessing traffic speed at this location.

"A lot of the kids attending the school are being dropped my cars because its such a big catchment area with neighbouring parishes, so really walking to school wouldn't really be something that might possibly work, especially in the winter months," Cllr Prior said.

"I'd like to see something happening a bit sooner. Hopefully if we can put a bit of pressure on and keep it to the front, we might get something done about it sooner.

"If we could get some sort of ramps on the approach road towards the school it would be really good and a huge help.

"I did highlight the fact that it does work in Drumcong. They have speed ramps outside their school, childcare facility and church and traffic slows right down. 

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"If it was possible to have that just before the school, it would be the solution to the problem there," Cllr Prior commented.