Laois children at risk over ‘shocking traffic’ congestion at school

Traffic calming is required urgently at Castletown’s school according to councillors who have called on Laois County Council to act.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, raised the issue at a recent meeting with officials. He tabled a motion calling on the local authority to install traffic calming measures ‘as a matter of urgency’ at the primary school.

Cllr Kelly said school safety is a priority with traffic increased to and from schools partly due to the lack of school bus services. He said there are 124 pupils attending the seven-teacher school.

“There is an awful lot of traffic congestion at the school…it’s shocking at the moment,” he said.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, concurred adding that child safety is paramount. “Every human life is sacred and our children have to be protected, they are special,” he said.

While he praised the work already done in the village, Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, also backed the motion. “It’s a necessity. There are a lot of cars on the road," he said. 

Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer, replied in writing. 

“The Road Design Section in conjunction with the MD Office will review the current provision and assess what additional measures are required at this location,” he said.

 The issue was raised at the October meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.