Pedestrian crossing needed at south Mayo primary school

A PEDESTRIAN crossing is urgently needed at Ballindine National School to enhance road safety for pupils on the L1511.

Councillor Richard Finn has brought a notice of motion before the local district council meeting to progress the matter, having received numerous representations about it.

In a written response, he was told the estimated total cost for the works is €100,000 (including an extension to the existing footpath and ramped pedestrian crossing).

The area engineer has enquired with the Safe Routes to Schools Section (Active Travel) but unfortunately Ballindine NS is not on their current list. The programme is not currently open for new applications, which would be a potential option for funding.

The area office doesn't have the funding to complete the works from its own resources. A more specific roads grant would be required.

The council is to explore the case further and an application for a low-cost safety scheme for the location may be an option for 2027.

Councillor Finn noted how there are no instant remedies for projects like this but they will try and push it through as soon as possible.

Councillor Deirdre Lawless fully supported the motion but commented that pedestrian crossings at schools should be the norm and funding should be available to standardise these things.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme