Donegal County Council is being urged to reduce a speed limit outside a local primary school.
Letterkenny Town Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh said he welcomes the confirmation from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, that local authorities have the power to reduce speeds, in respect of a national road in an area surrounding a place such as a school.
He said he is now calling on the council to address this very serious issue and respond accordingly by implementing a reduction of the road speed limit at Illistrin National School.
Deputy Joe McHugh, T.D. “I have been repeatedly raising the issue regarding Illistrin National School and the danger of an exit from the school grounds onto a busy national road. I submitted a Parliamentary Question to Minister Varadkar for clarity regarding the issue of variable speed limits in respect of a national road.
“The Minister has confirmed that where is it considered necessary and appropriate, the onus is on local authorities to take responsibility for any special speed limits which they set.”
Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh said himself and Deputy McHugh have met with parents from the school as they have been highlighting the dangers for students entering and exiting the school grounds and campaigning for a change to the speed limit and safety for their children.
“The important thing is that we avoid anyone getting hurt and we urge Donegal County Council to move swiftly to reduce the speed on the road at the school.
“The reduction in speed limits can be periodic to reflect school opening and closing hours and when the school is closed for holidays etc. The setting of special speed limits could also be appropriate at many other National Schools in the county, the safety of our children is paramount”