Call for council to write to all Laois Primary Schools

Councillors were puzzled to learn that An Taisce had a role in safe school zones in Laois. 

Fine Gael Cllr PJ Kelly asked that all schools in the county be notified in writing about An Taisce’s role.  

He had tabled a motion asking “that Laois County Council in conjunction with An Taisce create a school safe zone in front of the primary school in Killenard.”

In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Diarmaid Donohue stated  that “the Council acknowledges the need for front of school treatment at Killenard NS. 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 believed many schools wouldn’t have been aware of the requirement to apply to An Taisce. 

“There is an awful lot of schools that don’t even realise. They assume it is the council’s responsibility to make the area safe,” said Cllr Kelly.  

He said the issue was only brought to the councillors attention at the previous meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.  

“I would ask that the council contacts all the primary schools in county Laois to let them know that this facility is available through Taisce. It is State money that is going to be provided for this, it won’t be council money,” he remarked.  

“If the schools are let know via a letter from the council that this would save an awful lot of problems,” he added. 

Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins asked why An Taisce were involved in safe routes. 

“I thought An Taisce has got to do with heritage… I just don’t understand. I would have thought it was down to the local council,” he remarked. 

The issue was discussed at the most recent meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.