Hundreds of submissions were made to Galway County Council during a consultation on the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) for Scoil na bhForbacha plan by concerned Connemara residents.
Local residents campaigning for additional safety measures along the R336 say that 321 submissions were made to the county council during this consultation.
Plans for aised zebra crossings, signage, and a focus on reducing speed have been welcomed, but locals remain adamant that without signalised pedestrian lights (puffin light crossing ), children will not be protected adequately on the busy R336.
Residents are calling for a reduced speed limit directly outside the school, a signalised pedestrian crossing, and a clear timeline for when these works will be delivered.
“This overwhelming response shows just how strongly people feel about this issue,” said the Coiste Sábháilteachta. “We are delighted to see progress, but without traffic lights and a speed reduction, the plan still falls short of what is urgently needed. Our children deserve better.”
Príomhoide Áine Ní Thuathail of Scoil na bhForbacha echoed the frustration. “Our community rallied for lights because parents need the confidence that their children can cross the road safely.”
“On a 50 km/h route with high traffic volumes, a zebra crossing alone is not enough. Unless proper safety measures are put in place, many families will still feel they have no option but to drive. That undermines the whole purpose of Safe Routes to School.”
Residents continue to feel that the scheme fails to provide the most basic protection, safe, signalised pedestrian lights for children crossing one of the most dangerous roads in the country – the R336.
