Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough raised concerns held by parents of schoolchildren walking to school from Dromin village at February’s Ardee Municipal meeting.
He welcomed comments from the Council that the matter would be considered under the Active Travel Investment Grants but advised that this be addressed sooner rather then later.
Cllr McGeough said “I was approached by some of the Parents Group from the School who raised concerns so I visited the area myself. I attempted to walk from the village to the School myself, in broad daylight and was horrified at the danger and lack of safety involved.
“The road is narrow, allowing 2 cars to pass each other and no more. There is no footpath at all and a raised verge on the right hand side which allowed me to climb up on and try to balance while cars passed. There is no way a child or adult for that matter could walk on this road and it be considered safe to do so.”
Cllr McGeough added “I attempted to walk it in broad daylight and it wasn’t easy but these children are walking it in the dark winter months and no number of hi-vis jackets are going to help if there is nowhere for them to put their feet when a car is approaching.
“These children and their parents are taking their life in their hands walking to and from school. At a time when we are promoting Active Travel every effort should be made to make it easier for people to leave the car at home but that is just not possible in Dromin.”
Cllr McGeough pointed out that “I walk and drive along many rural roads in Mid-Louth and there are always people out walking. Not in Dromin. I walked that road and I met nobody on foot, unsurprisingly. This footpath is essential for the safety of children going to Dromin School from the village.”
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