Newtownforbes road measures 'a game changer', Longford Municipal District meeting hears

Newtownforbes village, the scene of yeserday's incident which is now the subject of a garda investigation

placeholder image — Newtownforbes village, the scene of yeserday's incident which is now the subject of a garda investigation

The introduction of “controlled crossing” points on the busy roads around Scoil Mhuire NS Newtownforbes are part of a major project adopted by members of Longford Municipal District authority.

The MD members consented to adopting the Part VIII for the construction of a School Zone and ancillary works at Scoil Mhuire NS and the construction of a new controlled crossing on the N4 at Newtownforbes at their May meeting.

The proposal was adopted on the same day Education Minister, Norma Foley, officially opened the newly built National School extension at Scoil Mhuire NS.

Cllr Martin Monaghan complemented the efforts of the roads design team for their work on the plans for the road improvement: “This is over two and a half years going on. It was first proposed in September 2020. We all know how difficult it is to get any work done on the N4. This is greatly going to enhance the safety for the schoolchildren of Scoil Mhuire in Newtownforbes.“Minister Foley's visit today [Wednesday, May 3] highlighted the need for this work. It was shocking to see the amount of traffic passing on the road. I think this will be a game changer in Newtownforbes. It is something badly needed,” Cllr Monaghan said.

The new controlled crossing on the N4 will consist of the demolishing section of the existing boundary wall of Scoil Mhuire and reconstruct a new set back boundary wall to facilitate a 2.5m footpath and 3m wide bus bay. The plans will see the demolition of the existing wall around the area currently used for staff parking and adjacent vehicle entrance and the construction of a new boundary wall and entrance piers and gates.

The existing uncontrolled pedestrian crossing point will be relocated to a controlled crossing located in line with the main school pedestrian entrance. The junction will be tightening at the N4 and the local road.

The plans will also see the relocation and upgrading of the existing uncontrolled pedestrian crossing point on the N4 outside the playground to a new controlled crossing.

Included in the proposal is the provision of signage, road markings, road surface treatments, drainage, landscaping and ancillary works.