Urgent review of traffic and junction near Cornafulla school sought

Independent South Roscommon councillor Emer Kelly called on Roscommon County Council to urgently review the junction at Cornafulla National School and work with the school to improve safety for children and parents using the school and junction.

The reply from the executive at the October Athlone Municipal District meeting said that the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme aims to improve safety at school gates and increase active travel to schools, and that Cornafulla NS is on the SRTS list, although it wasn’t selected in Round 1 or 2 of the programme.

It also said that schools that have applied and not being included in the first two rounds of funding will be brought into the programme on a rolling basis.

Cllr Kelly said Cornafulla NS safety is something that the late Cllr John Naughten had been raising.

“It’s off a busy road and the majority of cars travelling from Athlone to Ballinalsoe are travelling at quite a significant speed,” said the Independent councillor.

“Cars are turning to the school and kids are being dropped off and it’s chaotic at times. I went out there myself in the morning and evening to see what it’s like and it’s only a matter of time that a pedestrian or car or bicycle will be involved in a serious collision there.”

She said when driving from Ballinasloe you are on “top of the school” before you realise there is a school there.

“There needs to be a traffic plan put in place there, and I’m sure the school would be willing to work with the council on it, but it needs to be progressed before there is a fatal accident there,” said Cllr Kelly.

Cllr Tony Ward, Independent, said he supported the motion and some years ago he spoke to parents there about the safety, and that it is a major issue.

“I’m glad to see there is a sign there, which was close to the school, and which has been moved out, and I’m glad that it has been moved,” he said. “But there is no doubt there is an issue for kids who want to cross the road there.”

Cllr Laurence Fallon, Independent also supported the motion and said the biggest danger is that some people don’t realise there is a school there.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr John Keogh, also supported the motion and said that he and Cllr. Naughten had many discussions over it through the years.

“The road is not wide enough and that is part of the problem there, and cars go close to there and if a child walks out on the road, it’s only a matter of time before there’s an accident there,” said Cllr Keogh.

“We’ll have to try and get something done to address the issue, and hopefully funding will come on the next occasion and it would be a main priority from a point of safety in respect of schools.”

He said that he and the late Cllr. Naughten attempted to reduce the speed there to 60 or even 50 km/h, and was told that they could do it but they needed consultation with the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland).

“I understand that was to be checked out, and it was within the scope, but we have to see clarification,” he said.

“I see no reason why we can’t bring in a by law to reduce speed. It’s an issue of serious condition to the community, and I know members wouldn’t have a problem to bring in a by-law that addresses that if need be. Perhaps clarification can be sought.”

Cllr. Kelly said she would support such a plan. She said that it does need to be addressed quite urgently and needs to be kept high on the agenda.