Pedestrian crossing sought for Leitrim school

A local councillor has asked that a pedestrian crossing be installed at Carrigallen Vocational School in order to provide a safer environment for students and staff.

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke asked that the council seek funding under the NTA’s 2026 Active Travel Investment Grant to design and develop a pedestrian crossing on the R201-49 at Carrigallen Vocational School towards Cois Locha similar to the existing crossing closer to the town.
He said that students and staff who live in the Cois Locha Estate and attend both primary and secondary schools "currently cannot cross the R201 safely in the busy mornings which places them at great risk. It is desirable that these works be completed to coincide with RIG works for this section of the R201 due to be completed in 2027."

READ MORE: Pens down and hearts racing as over 900 Leitrim students start state exams today

He was advised that the request would be considered and if a decision is made to proceed, an application for funding to construct the crossing will be submitted under the Active Travel 2026 Programme.
Emma Donohoe, Senior Executive Engineer, Active Travel noted that a pre-planning application to extend the Vocational School has been lodged with Leitrim County Council for an extension which may change "entrances and infrastructure outside so we'll just have to see what comes out of that."

Cllr O'Rourke said he hoped this development would "help to take the cars off the side of the road there" adding that it is "pretty chaotic there at the moment" due to cars parking on the side of the road at drop-off and pick-up times.

READ MORE: 'Not even access to water', Sligo-Leitrim senator petitions to return local train services