SAFETY MEASURES need to be analysed closer outside a Newmarket-on-Fergus primary school according to local representatives.
An extension of the existing barrier outside Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire in Newmarket-on-Fergus towards the post box on the Eurospar side of the Ennis Rd was sought by Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) at a recent meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. His motion was seconded by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).
Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett confirmed that works to improve pedestrian safety at the location had been carried out by the office. “This involved extending the barriers opposite the school on the side of the shop,” he explained.
Excellent work has been completed, Cllr McMahon acknowledged. “The problem was pointed out to me, when the kids are crossing the road from school, some of them don’t follow the instruction of the lollipop man and cut out onto the main road after crossing where the railing stops. Cars are parking illegally there and kids are going outside the line not under the control of the railing. If the railing could be extended, the kids would have to go inside”.
A little conversation between students and the principal would do no harm, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) pointed out, “it is no harm to have a word with the principal, breaking the line is a serious thing outside a school,” he suggested to Cllr McMahon who replied, “I did, the Acting Principal is actually a cousin of mine, an accident can only happen within seconds”.
