The principal and a parents’ representative from a primary school in Killarney have expressed fears that a child could be badly hurt, or worse, due to the volume of traffic passing the school gate, at very excessive speeds, on a daily basis.
Two Mile School principal Catherine Barry and parent Tara O’Donoghue brought their concerns to a meeting of Killarney Municipal District Council this Wednesday and they predicted that it would be only a matter of time before there is an accident outside the school unless safety measures are implemented.
“Your nerves would be shot every evening watching the children going out,” Ms Barry said.
She said when she took over as principal of Two Mile, in 2017, there were just two pupils on the roll-book but that has now increased to 52 and that has added to safety concerns outside the rural school on the Killarney-Ballyhar road.
“Parents are very diligent but there are constant concerns,” said Ms Barry who acknowledged that some progress has been made since school representatives met with council officials in September.
Parents’ representative, Tara O’Donoghue, said the big concern is at drop-off and collection times. The speed limit is 50km/h but an exercise undertaken by the parents estimated that that 70 per cent of passing vehicles were breaking the limit.
“Many are driving at 80 or 90km/h. It’s only a matter of time before there is an accident” she said.
Cllr Maura Healy-Rae, who arranged today’s deputation, said it seems road improvements in the area have only tempted motorists to increase their speed and the problem is that the location and facilities at rural schools are not designed to cope with today’s world.
She said whatever is required should be done, whether it’s signage, road markings or surface improvements to address concerns.
“Ultimately, we need to physically slow motorists down. A designated drop-off point and staff parking is needed,” Cllr Healy-Rae said.
Cllr Brendan Cronin said if all other measures fail, table-top ramps might be the solution.
Killarney Municipal District Engineer, John Ahern, said the council is taking the matter very seriously and an application for funding to carry out the work required has been submitted.
“It is a very busy road in a challenging location and there is no denying that there are vehicles exceeding the speed limit,” said Mr Ahern who said council officials have engaged with An Garda Siochána on the matter.
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