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Motion for Pelican Crossings outside Schools

Posted 18 Feb. 2015

On the 19th of January 2015, I put forward a motion to the council regarding the provision of pedestrian ‘pelican-type’ crossings in areas around Ashbourne’s schools. These provisions are vital because they slow down speeding traffic on the road and prioritise pedestrians, but at present, there is a serious lack of road safety facilities in various important areas around the town. While the council have responded positively regarding the implementation of the pelican crossings, I am slightly concerned as no timescale has been given by the council for this work to be carried out.

The following areas have been highlighted in this motion:

  • Between the Briars and Baldara Court housing estates (R135 south of Ashbourne).
  • On Castle Street adjacent to Garden City estate (L50192).
  • On Castle Street at the roundabout adjacent to the DeLacy College (L50192).
  • On the R135 North of Frederick Street, adjacent to Castle Street.

I perceive pupils attending the primary Gaelscoil and new DeLacy College on Castle Street to be at particular risk on the road due to the fact that there are no procedures or signage put in place to improve road safety. The pavements and kerbs on Castle Street were designed to accommodate pedestrian crossings that have never been installed. Pupils of St. Mary’s N.S living in Seagrave apartments, Cluain Rí and Kilderry Hall estates have also been recognised as to having difficulty crossing the main road due to the lack of crossings or traffic lights in this area. Overall, there is a distinct lack of crossings, wardens and cycle routes around the town which has prevented the safe walking or cycling to school, giving both pupils and their parents little incentive to do so. This in turn has caused noticeable problems at schools with regards to illegal and unsafe parking.