New safety measures outside school premises should lessen risk to children
By Mary Dennehy
NEW safety measures have been introduced outside Sacred Heart Senior National School in Tallaght, following congestion concerns by parents.
As reported in The Echo last year, parents contacted the school and local councillors after serious congestion issues on the road presented not only delays at school opening and closing times, but poor visibility and safety concerns for children on foot.
The issue was put on South Dublin County Council’s traffic management agenda by independent councillor Dermot Richardson and, after consultation between the local authority, school principal and community gardaí, a decision was made to improve safety measures at the location.
At an approximate cost of €7,500, the council removed timber bollards, installed a tarmac footpath and provided a designated pick-up and drop-off parking area on the school-side of the road.
Additional bollards have also been provided at the entrance to the school to prevent dangerous parking and double yellow lines have been introduced on the opposite site of the road to improve safety and enhance visibility.
Cllr Richardson told The Echo: “There were no parking facilities around Sacred Heart, it was an accident waiting to happen.
“People were parking on both sides of the road. This created blind spots, making it impossible to see children walking out onto the road between cars.
“The changes introduced will make the area safer and parents are encouraged to let us know how the new system goes.”
He added: “I think all schools across the area should be reviewed. Parking problems and safety concerns are common-place outside many schools and the council should be introducing safety measure where necessary.”
The new system is now in operation, with the stretch of road being monitored by community gardaí.
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