Concerned parents warn of ‘dangerous road’ outside Limerick school as funding is sought

PARENTS have raised serious concerns about a ‘dangerous road’ outside a Limerick school, while safety works remain dependent on funding.

Raising the issue at the March meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, Cllr Michael Collins, said he had received numerous messages from parents of pupils attending Dromcollogher National School.

In his motion, he called on the council to “carry out the necessary safety works, lighting and pedestrian crossing” at the school.

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In a written reply, Ben Noonan, Senior Executive Engineer for the district, said: “The roads department have been assessing this location following multiple representations including one from the school principal. The location is being assessed in terms of what is required.

“It is proposed that a plan will be developed, and any works deemed necessary will be carried out subject to funding being available.”

Cllr Liam Galvin described the road as “dangerous”, saying he would “feel responsible” if anything were to happen outside [the school] now that health and safety concerns have been highlighted.

He asked whether the Municipal District could call on the Department of Education, as well as the Department of Transport, to help implement safety measures.

Cllr Collins clarified the Department of Education is not responsible for the public road adding that “when the issue is raised, we can bring it to a higher authority but cannot take responsibility.”

He noted that, for example, if speed limits are an issue, the matter can be raised with gardaí.

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Independent councillor Jerome Scanlon said: “We can put in all the pedestrian crossings we like, but we will still have the same road,” questioning whether measures such as increased lighting are “lessening the risk.”

Mr Noonan said the local authority is “actively trying to look at a plan” for works in the area, emphasising that any safety measures are “subject to funding.”

He reiterated: “We can prepare the plans, but it is cost dependent.”