Motorists urged to drive with care near busy schools area in Naas
Cllr Bill Clear of Independent Ireland said he will personally visit the area this week
A Naas councillor has called on motorists to take greater care and attention in an area of the town where three schools are located.
The Piper’s Hill Campus on the Kilcullen Road is home to Piper’s Hill College, Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh and St David’s National School.
Concerns about pedestrian safety in the area have been highlighted on social media following an alleged ‘near miss’ involving a car and children crossing the road.
Cllr Bill Clear of Independent Ireland said he will personally visit the area this week to examine whether additional traffic-calming measures are required.
“I’ll be out there myself to see what the issues are and if Kildare County Council need to do anything to make it safer,” he said.
He added: “Drivers who are not taking due care and attention that is so important around schools really should be more aware of the very serious consequences if they knock down a child going to school.
“So I appeal to them to slow down and conform with the traffic signals.”
Cllr Clear said he has also raised the issue with community Gardaí in Naas.
The incident referred to in a social media post is said to have happened during the morning school drop-off, as a parent was leaving Naas and turning towards Killashee Hotel.
According to the account posted online, the driver stopped to allow a number of young children to cross the road towards Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh.
The poster alleges that another vehicle travelling from the Kilcullen direction sounded its horn before driving past, narrowly missing the children.
The account prompted a discussion online about road safety around schools and the potential dangers faced by pedestrians during busy morning drop-off periods.
One comment raised concerns about safe parking in the area, while others urged both motorists and pedestrians to exercise particular caution around school crossings.
The incident has renewed calls for motorists using the area to slow down, remain alert and follow the traffic signals, particularly during the busy morning school period.