‘An accident waiting to happen’ - Ireton
THE chaos outside Riverchapel National School during school hours is an accident waiting to happen, according to Cllr Robbie Ireton at last week’s Gorey Municipal District meeting.
‘The school applied for planning to extend out the front because basically there is no other room to extend,’ said Cllr Ireton. ‘The pedestrian lights are not working, I think it is time the council took action.’
Cllr Ireton explained some parents are out of order and abandoning cars. ‘We need a traffic warden for a few weeks to guide them so they know what to do,’ he added.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain said he agrees and suggested either a warden or gardaí patrol the area in the morning and evening for a while.
‘I agree with Cllr Ireton,’ said Cllr Malcolm Byrne. ‘That school was not built with population in mind. We should see if the school and parents association look at something too.’
Cllr Byrne said Loreto in Gorey is very similar. ‘At the end of the day it is the parents responsibility and the school should look at adopting a policy,’ he added.
Cllr Mary Farrell said Kilmuckridge school had a warden for a few days patrolling the area and giving parents warnings, which worked really well.
‘The gardaí, traffic warden and the school be on site for a few days just for half an hour to guide them,’ said Cllr Joe Sullivan. ‘The school should also issue a letter to parents. It can be done.’
Eddie Taaffe, director of services, said they will meet the principals.