Laois County Council have been urged to work with An Taisce to help improve safety measures at rural primary schools in the County.
Fine Gael Cllr PJ Kelly called on Laois County Council to work “in conjunction with An Taisce create a school safe zone in front of the primary school in Killenard.”
Cllr Kelly was speaking at the April meeting of the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District earlier this week.
Mr Diarmaid Donohue, Senior Executive Engineer said: “The Council acknowledges the need for front of school treatment at Killenard National School.
“However, only schools that have applied to An Taisce under the Safe Routes to School Programme (SRTS) will be selected for SRTS interventions.
“Killenard NS is not on the current list of Laois schools but is recommended to apply when An Taisce re-opens the application process.”
Cllr Kelly went on to ask for the installation of a speed table on the road outside Emo National School and the sports field “now that the street lights are in operation.”
Cllr Kelly said the project would now qualify for funding from An Taisce.
Mr Tom Drennan, Area Engineer said Laois County Council is “currently arranging a contractor to commence the installation of the traffic calming ramp at this location.”
Sinn Féin Cllr Aidan Mullins why An Taisce has such involvement in school matters, questioning what the charity’s role is and where that role came from with regard to educational issues.
Cllr Kelly then called for the Council to “investigate the possibility of installing safety measures at Jamestown Cross as another car accident there recently emphasised the fact that it is a dangerous junction.”
Cllr Kelly described the road as “extremely dangerous,” which is “getting busier and busier.”
Mr James Dowling, Senior executive Engineer at the council’s Road Design Department said he will meet Cllr Kelly on site to discuss potential safety improvements.
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