Fresh call for school speed limits

Tuesday, 16 November 2010 16:32

A fresh move is being initiated to ensure that reduced speed limits are imposed along stretches of national roads in Mayo where schools are located. The chairman of the Castlebar electoral area committee of Mayo County Council called for immediate action to address the situation.
Councillor Eugene McCormack cited the example of the national schools at Islandeady and Ballintubber that were situated along busy national routes.
"The issue has been raised over the years but nothing tangible is happening. People are waiting for us to do something."
Patsy Burke, senior executive engineer, said it was a county-wide problem and should be dealt as a county-wide issue rather than one confined to the Castlebar area.
"There is a substantial cost involved in dealing with all the cases. I can confirm that flashing lights are being installed in the vicinity of Cloggernaugh NS in Islandeady in the near future."
Councillor Al McDonnell said he was assured some time ago that a complete review is being undertaken, but the review is taking too long.
"It's outrageous there are no special speed restrictions along national routes where schools ate located.
"I recall vividly how all hell broke loose in 1981 when a woman and her baby were killed near Partry National School when they were knocked down by a van carrying the showband, Sheeba.
"The roadway was immediately reduced to a 40 mph limit. I would hate to think another tragedy would have to occur before similar action is taken in respect of all our national roads where schools are located."
Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the speed at which cars flew past Ballintubber National School is a major problem.
"I want us to deal with it now and not when an accident occurs. The National Roads Authority is not in touch with the needs of local people."