'There is huge worry,' MD told about poor traffic situation outside school
The concerns were raised about the traffic situation outside of a local school in Leitrim
Concerns over road safety in Ballinamore were raised at last week's meeting of the Municipal District.
The concerns are centred on an area where 300 children converge everyday.
Cllr Gary Prior (FF) tabled a motion asking the council “to provide an update on the proposed traffic safety improvement works scheme on the R202 outside Scoil Chlann Naofa, the Ballinamore Childcare Facility and the Men's Shed, including the current status of the design process, the anticipated timeline for completion of the design and when it is expected that construction works will commence.”
Speaking on his motion, Cllr Prior said, “this is an area that needs attention. This issue has came before many councillors and there have been concerns raised by residents groups.
The council's response stated that “The initial design for the Scoil Chlann Naofa Safe Route to School Scheme must be finalised before progressing to the Part 8 planning stage.”
“We anticipate advancing to the Part 8 process in Q4 of this year. Subject to a successful Part 8 outcome, and the approval of NTA funding, the project will then progress to construction stage in 2027,” the reply added.
Noting this response, Cllr Prior said, “the plan is ready to go. I would like to see the plan come before us at the September meeting of the Municipal District. That would be progress. It is important that the works commence.”
Cllr Prior went on to say that “there are around 300 kids between the primary school and creche in this area. All local representatives have been approached. There is huge worry and concern. It would be progress if the plan came before the September meeting.”
Cllr Prior went on to say that “a member of an Garda Siochana has been sitting at the crossing for a few months now and this is a horrendous waste of resources.”
Cllr Paddy O'Rourke (FF) supported the motion. “Everyone around this table has had representations in relation to this issue. In the elevated position that we are sitting in today (the meeting took place in the Island Theatre), we can see the volume of traffic in the town,” he stated.
“There are obstacles for people dropping off children. If anything were to happen, it wouldn't reflect well on this district,” he added.
Cllr Róisín Kenny (SF) also supported the motion. “In the mornings or at around 2.30/3.00pm, there is a disaster waiting to happen,” she commented.
Her party colleague Cllr Brendan Barry told the meeting that “there have been near misses with children.”
Referring to the council reply that the Part 8 planning process should take place later in the year, he asked, “will funding be automatic one Part 8 is complete?”
Replying to that question, council Director of Services, David Minton, stated that, “once Part 8 is complete, then the work would be eligible for National Transport Authority funding.”
Funded by The Local Democracy Reporting Scheme