Parents of pupils at Donacarney National School have contacted Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn seeking urgent changes to the road safety measures at the school. They told her that they are in fear of a serious accident because the measures as they stand are being ignored by motorists.

“At first glance, it looks like there is enough traffic calming and pedestrian crossings for the busy road and junction, but unfortunately, some motorists are ignoring the traffic lights, and the pedestrian crossing at the junction of the R150 and the Colpe East Road is too close to the corner, so cars can’t stop in time for children on the crossing,” explains Senator Comyn.

“Parents have suggested the crossing be moved further along the R150 to where a gap is being used anyway by pedestrians from the new housing developments, which would give motorists more of a chance to see the children crossing.”

“In the short time I was standing there, several cars and a very large bus turned the corner and were on the crossing before they realised it.”

Parent Kate Madden showed Senator Comyn where her son had a narrow escape just last week at the traffic lights in front of the old Donacarney school building.

“My son was walking to the school bus and when he tried to cross at the pedestrian lights at the red brick school, a car broke the red lights. He then went to cross the zebra crossing at the building site, and again, a small truck failed to stop and went straight through,” explained Kate.

“I myself have also been half-way across the zebra crossing recently with three children when a woman with a car full of children sped through the crossing. I think they need to reinstall the traffic warden to slow the traffic down and keep the children safe.”

Senator Comyn has asked for a traffic survey to be carried out by Meath County Council, so they can re-evaluate the current traffic safety measures, especially the Zebra crossing.