Garda presence at Dunkineely school amidst major road safety concerns

Donegal Town Roads Policing Unit have been assisting at Dunkineely NS where road safety is a major concern.

The ongoing issue came into the spotlight recently when a truck hit a kerb and narrowly missed a group of schoolchildren.

Since then, parents have been using homemade signs to appeal to motorists to slow down. 

On Tuesday, Garda Cahalin from Donegal Town Roads Policing Unit was assisting at the morning drop off and afternoon pick up.

A garda spokesperson reported that a motorist was detected travelling at 84km/h on a 60km/h zone on approach to the school.

Councillors told that emergency application for Dunkineely NS safety funding were rejected

Dunkineely National School's near miss incident saw emergency application for funding rejected by Department and school told to apply for safety funding under a national summer works scheme, Cllr Noel Jordan said. He added that said that such a response was unacceptable

The spokesperson said: “Motorists, please ensure to slow down when approaching a School. Abide by the rules of the road and expect the unexpected at all times! 

“Respect the direction of any traffic lights that are in place.”

The garda also had a word for those on school runs around the county.

“Please do not park illegally when doing school drop offs or pick ups,” they said. “Follow School traffic management plans that may be in place. They have been put in place to ensure the safety of all attending and approaching the school. 

“Leave a little extra time for your journey as delays may be expected.”

Councillors have expressed shock and concern and the Department of Education’s failure to support the school with emergency measures.