Playground fears at Lifford school

Fears that speeding cars could pose a problem near a national school outside Lifford were highlighted by Cllr Gerry Crawford at Monday's Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District meeting.

He was voicing concerns that a speeding car could enter the playground at St Patrick's National School, Murlog due to the fact it was lower than the road.

"It has been said that this is an enforcement issue but it's way beyond that now. You can have enforcement there all the time, particularly when Mass is on or the school is open. One wrong move and I would fear something could enter the playground. These concerns have been brought to me and I want to pass them on here."

He said he wanted the matter examined as urgently as possible.

Cllr Crawford added a recent accident in the same area also highlighted the fact that there is an unguarded drop into a nearby field.

"If you were travelling from Murlog towards Ballindrait at night it comes upon you very quickly. There's nothing to say the ditch is there and proves dangerous as well."

Cllr Gary Doherty said he supported the call for action as he had also heard many concerns about this particular stretch of the road.

Cllr Crawford also took the opportunity to highlight differences in road safety issues in St Johnston.

"I welcome and appreciate the work already done in St Johnston but two miles down the same road in Carrigans they have flashing speed signs, ramps and bollards - why can't we have the same in St Johnston where there is a litany of accidents"

Senior roads engineer, Claire McGeever said she would examine the situation at the school outside Lifford and make enquiries about the different traffic calming measures between St Johnston and Carrigans.

"St Johnston has received funding on a number of occasions for different works to reduce the speed within the village. We can take a look at what has been done in Carrigans to see if there is anything of benefit for St Johnston there."