Traffic must be slowed at Fenagh National School - Ellis

Cllr Caillian Ellis proposed that Ballinamore municipal district put in place ramps on the R202 approaching Fenagh National School from the Mohill side. 

However, the council said they don't install ramps on regional roads unless under a specific scheme such a Low Cost Safety Scheme or Clar funding and funding can also be sought through the Safer Routes to School scheme, however Active Travel schemes are "unlikely to revisit Fenagh Village."

Cllr Caillian Ellis asked if footpaths, which were previously objected to, could possibly still be installed at the location, in an attempt to slow traffic down. 

Darragh O'Boyle, district engineer, said that locals, residents and the school can avail of a number of schemes with Clar and Town and Village funding available this year. 

Cllr Ellis said that the school had been in favour of the footpath but unfortunately a letter of objection derailed the project and said he felt a footpath from the school to the speed limit would have the most impact on encouraging drivers to slow down. 

Cllr Ellis was told that there were "huge objections" with people saying there would be "nowhere to park and drop the kids off at" and also, the council couldn't secure land for a pedestrian crossing."

Cllr Brendan Barry supported the motion and noted that three of the eight motions at the Ballinamore municipal district meeting were in relation to road safety. 

He said, "You would imagine when someone sees a school and people being dropped off that they would have the sense to slow down as a child could run out from anywhere."