School plea for safe parking

School plea for safe parking

Lucan Educate Together 2A PETITION to introduce safe drop-off parking facilities at Lucan Educate Together National School has gathered pace – over 200 signatures have appealed to end the “free for all” in Mount Bellew estate.
A lack of available parking space at the school – which has 40 staff and 450 students – has generated a massive amount of stress and frustration for residents, parents and school officials.

Cars are often abandoned outside driveways, blocking home-owners from exiting, double-parking creates obstructions, and fears exist for children with residents reporting near fatal misses and regular arguments between motorists.
Logistically, Lucan Educate Together is situated in a tight spot, motorists are funneled through one road from the roundabout at Elmsbrook, Willsbrook, and Ballyowen Road.
Residents and staff members have expressed a desire that council-owned land beside the school, could be utilised as a temporary car park to tackle the situation.
Lucan Educate Together is located in a relatively young area, constructed 11 years ago, before Mount Bellew estate was built. 
The school has expanded dramatically since it was first established in a scout den 17 years ago, from approximately 90 pupils, to the current population of 450 students and 40 staff members.
A staff member told The Echo the school has limited space for parking, and most of the school grounds are required to provide play areas for children.
The school carries out a park-safe programme they established, in conjunction with the council and gardaí.
It also has a clear school policy of parking instructions for parents, but lone parents blocking driveways “on a public road”, is outside their control.
Independent Councillor Liona O’Toole hopes an inspection of the vacant land by council officials will result in a solution.
Cllr O’Toole said: “A similar problem existed in Cannonbrook with Scoil Aine Naofa and Saint Thomas’s, but finally the council listened, and implemented a thin island on the road, which has improved the situation, and means there is no chance of anyone being knocked over.”

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