Kildare national school to be assessed for road safety 'when resources are available'
Cllr Rupert Heather (LAB) called for a feasibility study of the area around Primrose Hill National School, Celbridge
A feasibility study of road safety around a Kildare national school will only be carried out by the council when resources become available.
Cathaoirleach of Celbridge Leixlip Municipal District, Cllr Rupert Heather, put forward his question - “Can the council advise when the feasibility work for a detailed review of road safety around Primrose Hill National school will begin?” - at a recent MD meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Heather explained that Primrose Hill National School is on a section of Hazelhatch Road with “raised pavements and narrow roads.”
There is no parking in the area, he said, and residents had made objections to motorists parking in a nearby estate.
The result of this, he said, was “carnage” at school drop-off and pick-up times,.
Cllr Heather said he met with the principal of the school and one of the parents, and did a walk-around of the area to see if there could be any improvements,
The group noted a host of issues, which Cllr Heather then brought to the council.
However, he added, having brought the issues to the council, he was told there was a “lack of resources” to carry out feasibility work.
That was several months ago, he pointed out, and appeared to still be the case.
Cllr Heather said he knew these things were “resources sensitive”, but there was a definite need to have the situation at Primrose Hill National School resolved, and called for “a clear indication of when this could be done.”
Responding to Cllr Heather, a council official noted that “sadly”, resources had not improved in the recent past.
The official suggested that the Safe Routes to School programme could be looked at for Primrose National School, in terms of increasing pedestrian safety there.
The council could also look at having the Road Safety Officer speak with the school on the issue, he offered.
Cllr Heather told the official that awards for Safe Routes to School are “like hens' teeth” across Kildare, and that “only a handful” of schools were successful in being included on the scheme.
There appeared to be a limitation on the number of places, he said, but noted, “that might be a debate for another day.”
A report issued by the council stated: “The Active Travel Team is waiting the appointment of additional resources to fill current vacancies. This location will be considered as part of the work programme when resources are available.”