·        Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to install speed ramps in the vicinity of all schools in towns and villages over the next 3 years and allocate funding through the annual budget and low cost safety schemes. 

Notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to install speed ramps in the vicinity of all schools in Towns and Villages over the next 3 years and allocated funding through the annual budget and low-cost safety schemes. 

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

The Roads and Transportation Section acknowledges the intent of the Notice of Motion, which is to enhance road safety in the vicinity of schools across the county. Road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users is a key priority for Roscommon County Council.

However, the proposal to install speed ramps at all schools in towns and villages over a three-year period would present significant practical and financial challenges. The scale of such a programme would require substantial funding, far in excess of currently available resources under the annual roads budget and more specifically the Low Cost Safety Improvement Schemes. As such, it would not be feasible to implement on a blanket basis.

It is important that road safety interventions are evidence based and targeted. For National Roads the TII’s & Council’s approach aligns with national best practice, whereby collision data, traffic speeds, pedestrian movements, and site-specific risk factors are analysed to identify locations where intervention is most warranted. This ensures that limited funding is directed towards schemes that will deliver the greatest safety benefit.

Furthermore, engineering solutions must be tailored to the specific characteristics of each location. While speed ramps can be effective in certain circumstances, they are not suitable for all roads or environments. Alternative measures such as traffic calming layouts, pedestrian crossings, improved signage, road markings, or reduced speed limits may be more appropriate depending on site conditions.

It is also noted that a national review of urban speed limits is currently underway, which includes consideration of a standardised approach to the provision of reduced and/or periodic speed limits in the vicinity of schools. This process is expected to inform future policy and funding priorities at a national level. It would be prudent to consider the outcome of this review before committing to significant capital expenditure in this area, to ensure alignment with emerging national standards and best practice. The Roads & Transportation unit has recently met with elected members to update them on this process.

Notwithstanding the above, the Council will continue to prioritise safety improvements at school locations where specific verifiable risks have been identified. In doing so, the Roads and Transportation unit will have regard to representations and concerns raised by elected members and local communities, and where appropriate, will act in the interests of vulnerable road users. Applications for funding under relevant national and regional schemes will continue to be pursued where appropriate, and the Council remains committed to working collaboratively with elected members to improve road safety outcomes.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly noted that this was an area of significant concern and, in light of the Council’s response, suggested that each Municipal District Cathaoirleach would identify three or four suitable locations where safety measures are required. He proposed that these agreed locations be brought forward for discussion at a meeting with the Roads Department and the Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney. He advised that this approach had already been discussed with Mr. Keaveney and suggested that Cllr. Fitzmaurice consider withdrawing his Notice of Motion pending this engagement.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice expressed disappointment with the response and indicated his reluctance to withdraw the motion, noting that it addressed an important issue requiring full discussion. He welcomed the national review of urban speed limits. He referred to an incident at Trien N.S., where a vehicle was recorded travelling at 114km/h in a 50km/h zone, and noted that 322 people had signed a petition seeking safety measures at this location. He stated that financial considerations should not outweigh safety concerns and complimented recent measures implemented at Cloontuskert N.S.

Members supported both Cllr. Fitzmaurice’s motion and Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly’s proposals and raised the following points:

• Speeding is a widespread issue affecting towns and villages, requiring action.
• Signage is not deterring drivers from speeding.
• Current traffic conditions limit the ability of children to safely walk or cycle to school.
• The cost per speed ramp was queried.
• It was suggested that the motion be forwarded to the Department of Education and the Department of Transport seeking funding support.
• The Safe Routes to School Scheme has been closed for some time.
• The forthcoming speed limit review may introduce 30km/h limits outside schools.
• Concerns were raised regarding the positioning of the recently installed ramps at Cloontuskert, with a suggestion that widening may be required to prevent vehicles mounting the verge.
• It was requested that all Members be involved in any proposed engagement.
• It was queried whether road signage and markings could be updated in advance of the school term in September.
• Cllr. Keogh seconded the motion but suggested that it be amended to include circulation to the Department of Transport and Department of Education following further discussion.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly clarified that the proposed meeting would take place with the Municipal District Cathaoirligh; however, all Members would contribute to identifying priority locations in advance.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice indicated reservations regarding the proposed amendment, expressing concern that reliance on external departmental funding may delay progress. He stated that the matter required urgent action and reiterated his view that funding should be prioritised. He suggested that one scheme per Municipal District could be progressed annually, with appropriate allocation of funding.

Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, confirmed that the roads section was broadly supportive of both approaches and agreed that a number of schools could be identified each year for targeted improvement works. He noted that the section continues to work with Members, TII, the Department of Transport and the NTA in progressing road safety measures. He advised that Phase 4 of the Safe Routes to School Scheme is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027, and that almost 20 schools have benefited under the scheme to date. He further noted that enforcement of speed limits is a matter for An Garda Síochána and that engineering measures may not be appropriate in all cases.

Chief Executive Mr. Shane Tiernan stated that the original proposal would be challenging to implemented. He acknowledged the merit in engaging with the relevant Government Departments regarding funding and emphasised the importance of aligning expectations with the operational capacity of the roads department.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

           SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy

It was AGREED to call on Roscommon County Council to install speed ramps or other appropriate road safety measures in the vicinity of schools, on a phased basis as agreed with the members and the roads department in towns and villages over the next 3 years and allocate funding through the annual budget and low-cost safety schemes. 

It is requested that correspondence is issued to the Minister for Education and Minister for Transport to seek funding for these needed works.