By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Safety concerns outside St. Aidan’s Parish School on Nunnery Road, Enniscorthy, was on the agenda at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council where it was revealed that a survey of parents unanimously returned a verdict of ‘no complaints’ and they believe that the new crossing completed by the Safe Routes to Schools scheme is “safer now than ever.”
Director of Services at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, attended the meeting chaired by Cllr Aidan Browne, and outlined details of three separate safety audits involving a number of agencies including the RSA, An Garda Siochana, Safety Officer at Wexford County Council David Codd and representatives of the Parents Committee at the school concerning a 200-metre stretch with controlled crossings provided under the Safe Routes to School application costing over €300,000.
Parents Committee representative John Roche told the meeting that “They had monitored arrival and dismissal at the school over the past two months and the vast majority of parents and pupils use the dedicated pelican crossings. A small number are jaywalking!”
Mr Roche said 99.9% of parents are satisfied with the safety measures, the ramps are working well, average speed is 5-10kms, traffic flows well and there are no tailbacks.
School Principal Frank Murphy said the school’s job is to teach the children of parents who are not always with them, agreed that the new system is “a major improvement” and his only concerns are the HGV’s and commercial traffic. He concluded by urging to “make sure everything is working properly and to keep the markings up-to-date.”
Cllr Aidan Browne felt “uncomfortable” as a parent as he felt there was nothing to stop the traffic – no red light – but he felt it is “safer” and a “great system” but there is nothing to stop the traffic.
Cllr Jackser Owens said “it was a massive mistake” taking away the school warden – there used to be three wardens in the 200-metre space. “It is an accident waiting to happen. I want that on the record!,” insisted Cllr Owens.
Cllr Barbara-Ann Murphy referred to the experience of Mr Roche with over 40 years experience – he was a member of An Garda Siochana and retired Chief Superintendent – recalled the 5-10kms speed readings, belived that red lights only “speed up and slow down” traffic, she didn’t agree with the school warden returning, she felt the children are learning and pointed out that “the road markings set it out as a school zone.”
Cllr Pat Kehoe said that child safety is paramount. He pointed out that “€300,000 was spent to make it safe.”
Cllr John O’Rourke referred to the data and the voice of the parents. “We don’t have the power or the voice to reverse the decision, “said Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “The system is working well, but when the plan was first brought to us here at the Council there was no mention of the school warden.”
In conclusion, Mr Hore said; “This is the safest system and the children are getting used to the system,” and he promised that the matter would be kept under review.
WexfordLocal.com 