Full zebra crossing markings outside one of South-East Clare’s busiest schools have been requested instead of school patrol markings.
Noting that the school patrol markings have “had to be abandoned” outside Scoil Seanáin Naofa in Clonlara, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) appealed for a full zebra crossing to be marked at the location.
Funding to progress works needed to be obtained before any commitments were made, senior executive engineer with the Shannon Municipal District, Aidan O’Rourke stated in response to Begley’s motion. He detailed that a speed survey, accident history and examination of the location would be conducted by road staff.
Following questioning from Cllr Begley, O’Rourke confirmed that a road marking contract was not included in the planned works. He maintained that a crossing of some sorts would be required.
“I thought there was already road markings officially done by Clare County Council and the Gardaí for the school patrol which was been running very successfully for ten years,” Cllr Begley replied. “Perhaps I’m being presumptuous to say it could be done with existing markings. It could be done while patrol is suspended”.
As he seconded the motion, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) asked if a standardised cost existed for the installation of zebra crossings and whether funds were provided by a centralised body. The senior engineer confirmed that advancements of such works derive from a low cost safety scheme. “It would be premature to move a zebra crossing in there,” he believed but agreed that issues exists regarding signage and markings.
