*Scariff NS.
PROPOSED road realignment and pedestrian safety enhancements in the vicinity of Scariff NS at Fossabeg are to proceed.
New footpaths and an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing point are part of the proposed works in the Section 38 proposal along with the construction of build outs and new parking bays plus tactile paving and all associated line marking and signage.
No submissions were received in relation to the scheme which had been available for public viewing and inspection up until the middle of July.
Acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD, Declan Flanagan explained that the proposal was part “of an overall desire by Killaloe MD to create enhanced shared pedestrian and cycling facilities and connectivity between the National School, Fossabeg Housing Development and the various sports and recreation amenities” such as the rugby grounds and GAA complex.
This would enable “students, residents and the many attending the games and training at the sports facilities to safely and sustainably travel along this road, where currently there is no footpath adjoining or serving the showgrounds and sports grounds”.
Detailed designs have been prepared for the full extent of the route from the National School to the showgrounds but the proposal is restricted to enhancement works for the area around the National School and Fossabeg housing development and does not incorporate the Showgrounds lands.
He outlined that the traffic calming scheme and uncontrolled crossing “will provide a safer environment around the school grounds from a traffic calming perspective. The provision of new parking bays and new footpaths will ensure safe pedestrian access to and around the National School in Scariff, whilst the alignment of the junction will enhance traffic safety and turning movements. The enhancement of the existing footpath to provide a shared cycle and footpath from the school to/from the adjoining housing development, will in part enhance safety and connectivity for students, children and those travelling onwards to the sports facilities”.
Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) proposed the adoption of the section 38 and this was seconded by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF).
Cllr Pat Burke (FG) welcomed the progress and expressed his desire that it be extended as far as the rugby grounds.
Responding to this, Cllr Cooney commented, “that is what we would all like to achieve but it is not achievable at the moment, it is what we are working on. The Board of Management of the school are anxious to get safety works done by the school”.
Questions were raised by Cllr Hayes on how the proposal would improve “the whole system around the school” with the absence of a new car park. “The issue is the dropping off, we’re looking at it here in front of us. We might get a full briefing on the design rather than trying to read the map”.
Senior planner, Brian McCarthy advised that the proposal “formalises the car parking arrangement”.
Flanagan told the meeting that the feedback from students was the lack of a footpath “so we’re creating a safe pedestrian access and a parking bay off the public road, it is a big improvement on what is there, it will allow for nine or ten parking bays that weren’t there. It is more of a safety issue and providing for facilities”. He said the local authority were keen to have the infrastructure in place before the school holidays are over. “Our long-term focus is to deliver towards the rugby grounds over time,” he added.
Cooney advised his colleagues that consultation has taken place with the school principal, “they are happy with what is going on at the moment”.
Potential for an Active Travel scheme on the L4106 is worth exploring, Cllr Burke maintained, “there is a lot of young kids out that direction that would like to walk or cycle to school”. Cllr Cooney agreed, “it is a narrow section of road which should get consideration”.
