Need for improved traffic safety measures outside Cornamaddy school

A renewed call for the improvement of traffic safety measures at the Cornamaddy Community National School was made at the April meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

Cllr Frankie Keena made the plea following what he said was a recent incident in which a pupil was injured while using the pedestrian crossing at the school.

"The school is located just off a major route with a continuous flow of traffic coming from north to south. Traffic volumes are consistently high, with HGVs, in particular, being regular users of this road," Cllr Keena said.

Referencing the recent incident, Cllr Keena stated that the injuries suffered by the young student were "thankfully, not life-threatening", but he reiterated the need for traffic calming measures to be strengthened at the location "for fear of a more serious situation arising".

"Parents have understandably started to express their concerns in light of this incident. The existing traffic calming measures in place at the school are no longer safe and there is a need for a revamp of the pedestrian crossing at the location as it needs to be raised to its original level," Cllr Keena said.

Cllr Keena acknowledged that safety bollards at the pedestrian crossing has been installed by the District since the incident, but called for additional traffic safety measures to be implemented.

"The road from the school as far as the Junction 9 entrance onto the bypass is due to be resurfaced soon. Is it possible to put appropriate colouring along this stretch of road to signify to vehicles that a school is in the immediate vicinity?," Cllr Keena said.

The councillor also requested that a traffic warden start work at the location "on a temporary basis" while traffic safety measures were being assessed.

In a written response, the council said following a meeting it held with Cllr Keena and the school principal, bollards have been installed adjacent to the pedestrian crossing to prevent vehicles from parking too close and to improve visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.

"An appraisal of the wider safety measures serving Cornamaddy CNS is underway, including a review of the school flashing signs, advance warning signage and road markings. Any necessary maintenance or enhancements identified through this review will be carried out thereafter."