Calls for urgent road safety upgrades at Cloneyhurke National School
Calls have been made for immediate action from Offaly County Council and the Department of Transport to address serious road safety deficiencies outside Cloneyhurke National School and on the route to the local community hall.
The call follows direct contact from local parents whose children attends the school, with Independent TD Carol Nolan noting she will be supporting the demands.
The parents highlighted the findings of a recent walkability audit carried out by the school’s Green-Schools committee, which revealed alarming safety issues for children, families and staff.
Key findings from the audit revealed 97% of vehicles exceeded the 50 km/h school-time speed limit during drop-off, with 83% travelling over 60 km/h and some recorded at over 100 km/h.
It also showed that there is currently no footpath between the school and the community hall, forcing children and adults to walk on the road, with vehicles regularly obstructing the hard shoulder.
The parents also pointed to poor road surface conditions leading to flooding and splashing at the school entrance in addition to incorrect times displayed on the school speed limit signage, failing to reflect actual school hours.
“These figures are deeply shocking, particularly the finding that 97% of drivers are ignoring the school speed limit during peak times which is simply unacceptable. Parents should not have to worry that their child’s walk to school is fraught with such daily amounts of danger," Deputy Nolan said.
“I fully support the parents’ reasonable requests regarding speed limits, proper traffic calming measures such as speed ramps and urgent road resurfacing.
“I will be engaging immediately with Offaly County Council and the relevant transport authorities to demand that these works are prioritised and fast-tracked.”
Deputy Nolan concluded by thanking the parent for raising the issue and commended the Green-Schools committee for their proactive work in highlighting the problems.
She has also called on motorists in the area to show greater consideration and strictly observe the existing speed limits until permanent improvements are made.