Disappointment at lack of progress on school crossing

DISAPPOINTMENT at the lack of progress on providing a pedestrian crossing at a school in Ballisodare was expressed at the monthly meeting of Sligo County Council.

Cllr Donal Gilroy asked for a report on progress on the installation of a new controlled crossing at Woodbrook Heights, Ballisodare near St John’s national school and on the interaction with the principal and board of management to agree the best location and layout for the crossing.

A report from senior engineer Tom Brennan stated that there had been no progress to date but that works should begin on the design element of the scheme in the second to third quarter of this year and that would include engagement with all stakeholders involved.

He said that the council would erect a finger post sign for the school at the Stella Maris entrance (off the N59) in the coming week but this may be relocated after consultation. Cllr Gilroy said that it was a bit disappointing that there had been no progress since he had raised this over a year ago.

“I’d request that it get some priority as it is is a safety issue,” he said. Cllr Thomas Healy said that he was even more disappointed as this had been “on the table” since 2015. He also said that any consultation there should include the nearby residents associations as he said that the school was sourrounded by estates. In relation to the sign off the N59 he said that he welcomed that but said that a sign was also needed at Woodbrook Heights entrance. “There is a major issue here and there have been petitions from local residents.

“It is not just as straightforward as putting in a pedestrian corssing, it has to be in the right place or you are going to run into other problems,” he said.