Residents of a south-east Clare village say they can’t wait any longer for a pedestrian crossing outside the local primary school as they claim the traffic situation is “chaotic” at the location.
Significant growth in enrolment numbers at the school is understood to have led to unsafe conditions for children crossing the road at drop-off and collection times.
The issue has come under a renewed spotlight after being raised at this month’s meeting of Shannon Municipal District by Independent Councillor Michael Begley.
The Clonlara representative is calling for a pedestrian crossing to be installed at Parteen National School “as soon as possible” due to high volumes of traffic at peak times.
Two housing estate junctions are located adjacent to the school gates and while there are pedestrian crossings north and south of the entrance, there isn’t one in the immediate vicinity of the school.
Councillor Begley says it’s a problem which requires immediate attention.
It’s understood the school’s enrolment has trebled within the past two to three decades with 318 pupils now on the books compared to roughly 100, 25 years ago.
Principal Miriam Smyth says there have been a number of “near misses”.
Responding to Councillor Begley’s proposal, Shannon MD says it will carry out a traffic survey to establish the traffic volumes and their speed to assist with the location of a new controlled pedestrian crossing.
It’s also stated that any improvements will be subject to public consultation and budget approval.
Henry O’Boyle of Parteen Town Team fears it’ll take a serious collision for action to be taken.
You can listen to the full interview below.
