Kildare school entrance deemed 'dangerous'
Scoil na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, Newbridge
THE APPROACH to the main gate of a Newbridge school has been called “dangerous” for school children.
Cathaoirleach of Kildare-Newbridge MD, cllr Noel Heavey, brought the issue into focus at the latest MD meeting, raising concerns about safety during school runs around Scoil na Naomh Uilig in Rickardstown.
He asked the council to install a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on the road opposite the school’s main gate to improve safety for children and parents.
The issue was also raised by cllr Chris Pender, who asked the council to provide a detailed timeline and status update on proposed traffic calming measures for the Rickardstown area, particularly around Scoil na Naomh Uilig. He requested details on planned works, the current funding position, expected delivery dates, and whether interim safety measures could be introduced pending full upgrade works.
In response, the council said the Municipal District Office is currently finalising plans to carry out works to the front of the school with the aim of improving facilities for vulnerable road users in the area.
It said the final plans will be reviewed with the school before progressing through public consultation. The council also confirmed that the area will be reviewed to determine whether any low-cost interim safety measures could be installed before the full scheme is delivered.
A council representative said the overall plan for the area has already been designed, but must still be finalised, funded, and brought through public consultation before construction can begin. Officials indicated that the summer after next is currently viewed as the most likely timeframe for construction works in order to minimise disruption.
Cllr Heavey argued that the approach to the school has become a “dangerous situation,” and suggested that the pedestrian crossing be delivered in advance of the wider works to address immediate safety concerns.
Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer supported the motion and said many cars have been parking on nearby grass areas, adding that “parents have lost the ability to drive into the school.” “Significant funds are needed for it,” she said. “We do need to get it sorted.” Cllr Pender recalled a recent visit to the school with cllr Heavey and said he witnessed a car nearly reversing into a child.
“We could be looking at the middle of next year before works have started,” he said, while suggesting interim measures such as bollards at the entrance corners to better protect children entering and exiting the school.
The council said all proposed safety measures would need to be assessed to ensure they represent an effective use of public funding.
