‘Risks to children’ spark road safety call near Leitrim primary school

Concerns are mounting among staff, parents, and the wider community over traffic speed and safety near St Joseph’s National School in Killenummery, Manorhamilton Municipal District has heard.

Cllr James Gilmartin raised the issue, calling on the MD to install traffic calming safety measures near the school.

“The current road layout poses risks to children during drop-off and collection times. Many children walk to school daily, increasing their exposure to fast-moving vehicles,” his motion stated.

“The current road conditions are not sufficient to ensure their safety.”

He stressed the need for measures such as speed ramps, clear signage, and pedestrian crossings to reduce risks near the school.

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In response, the Roads Department noted that An Taisce had sent an expression of interest letter to all schools in Leitrim regarding the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme. However, St Joseph’s did not apply and is therefore not included in the current SRTS schedule. The school will have the opportunity to apply in the next round, scheduled for 2026.

The department also noted that the Council aims to introduce variable slower speed limits at all schools countywide as part of the rural and urban speed limit review.

“It is expected that these speed limit changes will be put before the Elected Members for approval towards the end of 2025,” the response concluded.

Cllr Gilmartin also tabled a motion concerning a bridge in “quite serious disrepair” in North Leitrim. He requested that the MD conduct a full structural inspection of the bridge at Boyannagh on the Donegal/Leitrim border.

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“Local residents have reported visible cracks, surface damage, and signs of subsidence at the base of the bridge, raising fears of potential structural failure,” his motion stated.

The Roads Department confirmed that the bridge will be surveyed and, if necessary, added to the bridge rehabilitation works list.