Lack Of Funds Is Stalling Safety Upgrades Near Maynooth Schools As Parents Protest Road Safety

Friday, 6 December 2024 14:16

By Martin Osborne

In a statement to Kfm, a spokesperson for the council said the scheme is part of the council’s broader programme, but without the necessary funds, progress will be delayed.

A protest took place this morning to highlight road safety issues at two primary schools in Maynooth in County Kildare.

Parents at Gaelscoil Uí Fhiaich and Maynooth Educate Together National School are demanding Kildare County Council take action on the R405 Celbridge Road.

They say delays in safety upgrades to the road could lead to tragedy, with hundreds of school children at risk every day.

You can read more on that here.

Responding to the concerns of parents, Kildare County Council said it remains "committed" to implementing the Active Travel scheme subject to national funding.

In a statement to Kfm, a spokesperson for the council said the scheme is part of the council’s broader programme, but without the necessary funds, progress will be delayed.

They said that in the interim, the council has taken some steps to enhance safety around the local schools.

They said recently installed markings and new pencil bollards in the school zone are designed to provide clearer cues for motorists and improve safety for children during drop-off and pick-up times.

They explained that the county is undergoing an update to speed limits as part of the national rollout of new speed limit legislation.

The first phase focuses on rural roads, followed by the introduction of 30kph zones in urban areas.

The appropriate speed limit for the section of the R405 near the school will be assessed as part of the ongoing review of speed limits.

Guidance from the Department of Transport concerning school zones is expected to be issued soon.

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