Latest news with #SafeRoutestoSchoolProgramme
Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wheelie great! start to the school day for Bike Week at Scoil Aonghusa
The highlight of the day was an early morning group cycle to school, where students set off from Our Lady of Lourdes Car Park and pedalled their way to the school gates at Sunday's Gate, Moneymore. On arrival, the young cyclists were greeted with some well-earned goodies at the finish line, including bottles, armbands and saddle covers, to reward their efforts. Over the past year, the area around Scoil Aonghusa has undergone a significant transformation, involving a comprehensive package of safety and accessibility upgrades. Safety works included the removal of outdated road signage and pedestrian guardrails, the installation of a raised table and 'School Street' outside the school gates, and the addition of safe pedestrian crossing points. New warning signage, traffic-calming crossing zones, high-friction surfacing to improve traction, and demountable pencil bollards to help delineate pedestrian areas were also installed. As a result of these improvements, the area to the front of the school has been significantly transformed into a safer and more welcoming space for students, parents, and other road users. Local councillors praised the initiative for its impact. "It's great to see students from around the county out on their bikes, especially during Bike Week,' said Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathoirleach of Louth County Council. 'The Safe Routes to School Programme not only ensures safer passage for our students but also encourages a culture of walking and cycling and the work that has been carried out at Scoil Aonghusa in Drogheda, and St Louis Secondary School in Dundalk, is a positive step forward for the county in terms of promoting safety and sustainability." Cllr Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda, added: "The Safe Routes to School Programme is a brilliant example of how small changes can make a big difference, and you can really see that at Scoil Aonghusa. 'The front of the school is not just safer, it's a livelier, more welcoming space. It used to be a bit of a bottleneck with cars everywhere, but now you've got kids walking and cycling to school, and it's great to see.' David Hanratty, Acting Director of Services, Louth County Council, said: 'The Safe Routes to School Programme is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration between local authorities, the National Transport Authority, An Taisce, and the Department of Transport, and, by working together, we're not only improving safety around schools but also supporting healthier, more active lifestyles.' The enhancements delivered at Scoil Aonghusa are among several projects underway across the county as part of Louth County Council's broader commitment to Active Travel and sustainable, child-friendly infrastructure.
Irish Independent
22-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Clogherhead school set for safer future with new road plan
As part of the works planned at Callystown NS, new and upgraded footpaths and cycleways will be installed. The project will also include the introduction of safer pedestrian crossings, improved road markings and signage, and the addition of traffic signals, bollards and ramps at key locations throughout the area. The upgrades will be implemented within the current road and footpath layout to ensure minimal disruption and environmental impact. Welcoming the development, Cllr Declan Power, Drogheda Rural, said the improvements are the result of long-standing advocacy. 'As a resident and local Councillor for the area, I warmly welcome this development for the community of Clogherhead. I've been advocating for these road safety measures for several years, and I'm delighted to see them moving forward combined with the Safe Routes to School Programme.' He emphasised the importance of the school to the community and the necessity of ensuring safe access for students and families. 'Callystown National School is at the heart of village life, and ensuring our children can travel safely to and from school—and nearby amenities like the local playground—must always be a top priority,' said Cllr Power. He added that these upgrades would contribute to overall traffic calming, improve visibility, and create safer conditions not just for children bur also for older residents and those with limited mobility. 'These upgrades will help calm traffic, improve visibility, and make our roads safer for everyone, including older residents and those with limited mobility. It's a sensible, well-balanced project that enhances safety without altering the character of the area. I fully support these works and will continue to advocate for similar initiatives across the Drogheda and the Drogheda Rural district,' said Cllr Power. The works will also complement upcoming safety measures already planned for Chapel Road, including a raised pedestrian crossing and a traffic-calming ramp. In addition, Cllr Power noted he is actively seeking the installation of street lighting near the local playground to further improve safety in the area. Callystown NS is not the only school set to benefit, with Louth County Council confirming that Bellurgan NS in Dundalk and St Mary's NS in Knockbridge receiving similar road safety upgrades this year as part of the Safe Routes to School programme. Public consultation on the proposed works is now open. Residents and members of the public are invited to review the drawings and project details and provide feedback from Tuesday, April 22 to Tuesday, May 6. Documents are available for inspection at the Louth County Council Offices in the Millennium Centre, Dundalk, and at the Civic Offices on Fair Street, Drogheda. Information is also available online at Written submissions or observations must be clearly marked 'Section 38 Safe Routes to School – [School Name]'
