Fears of tragedy at Colpe Road bridge
THERE are growing concerns for the safety of local schoolchildren using the Colpe Road, especially in the vicinity of the railway bridge close to Grange Rath.
There are now four schools in the area, Drogheda Educate Together Secondary School, Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa, Drogheda Grammar School, and Le Cheile Educate Together National School, meaning large numbers cycling and walking over the bridge.
The speed limit on the road has also moved from 60km/h to 80km/h.
The cyclepath stops at the end of Grange Rath, forcing children to mix with passing traffic.
A Shannon Homes development for hundreds of houses on neighbouring lands has been resubmitted to Meath County Council and it is proposed to build another link over the railway, for cyclists and pedestrians and joining with Grange Rath. But that project could be years away.
Schools have advised children on cycling safely to school after parents raised concerns about the road.
Local parent Rory Scott says action is needed now on the stretch.
‘I’ve been in contact with Meath CC about it. The road needs flashing warning lights, maybe speed bumps, basically some measures to protect those using it.’
The Mill Road junction down to the schools is also dangerous as children have to cross the busy road at a bad corner.
With the darker evenings, he feels that action must be imminent. Fergus O’Dowd TD has been made aware of the situation and he has contacted the council and the road safety officer.