Transport Infrastructure Ireland knocked a request for a pedestrian crossing on the N24 outside Carrick-on-Suir's Comeragh College Community School partly because the school was only open six months of the year, a district meeting of councillors was informed.
Carrick-on-Suir Cllr Kieran Bourke declared the TII’s argument “didn't hold water” with him when Carrick Municipal District Engineer Denis Power informed him the authority over national roads didn’t deem a controlled pedestrian crossing was required outside this school.
Mr Power had explained that the TII didn’t take schools into account when considering applications for pedestrian crossings because they were only open six months of the year and at the moment a controlled crossing was not going to be located outside this school.
“That doesn't hold water with me at all,” responded Cllr Bourke.
“We put two pedestrian crossings (on the N24) at Greenhill and the Monastery schools and they are only there for six months.
“We have a lollipop person down at the Presentation Convent and a full pedestrian crossing at the Gaelscoil. The only school that doesn’t have a pedestrian crossing is Comeragh College and it’s on the N24.”
The Fianna Fáil councillor requested Mr Power to go back to the TII and seek this pedestrian crossing again.
“It’s hugely important and it’s a huge concern for the teaching staff, parents and students,” he added.
Mr Power responded that pedestrian crossings were outside the other schools because they were situated more in the centre of town where there is more activity all year round.
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