Tralee Sgt honoured for road safety feats
A TRALEE man who has been to the forefront of the nationwide roll-out of the Junior School Warden scheme has picked up the Road Safety Authority (RSA) Leading Lights Road Safety Ambassador award for 2017.
The award was presented to Donal at the RSA’s tenth 10th annual ceremony in Croke Park, having been a Garda Sergeant in Carlow town when he developed the warden scheme ahead of its official launch in 1970.
Carlow was the first location for the introduction of the popular scheme, but the RSA praised Donal for his crucial work in facilitating its roll-out around Ireland.
“The objective of the School Warden project was to provide a system whereby schoolchildren were conducted safely across the road at lunchtime and again in the evening time,” an RSA spokesperson said.
“Carlow was the first location where the Junior School Warden scheme was introduced; however, as time went on, it was taken up at several locations throughout Ireland.
“Donal supported this roll-out by giving talks at many centres nationally as well as making a film to promote the system which was shown on RTE. Schoolchildren who participated in the Junior School Warden scheme acquired a sense of responsibility and leadership as well as being conscious about all aspects of road safety,” the spokesperson added.
A total of 24 individuals and organisations were honoured for their commitment and dedication to road safety at the Croke Park ceremony.