Carrigaline councillors told council has no money for traffic calming at schools

Councillors raised concerns about dangerous traffic conditions in Crosshaven, Ringaskiddy and Waterfall, but funding for improvements remains uncertain

Fine Gael councillor Jack White described the situation as “a long-standing issue” and said it was worsening as the village’s population increased. Picture: Dan Linehan

Cork County Council cannot afford to meet the growing number of requests for traffic-calming measures, including at schools and across the greater Carrigaline area.

Its senior engineer has said responsibility for speed enforcement lies with gardaí, while parents must exercise caution.

A meeting of Carrigaline Municipal District Council heard several requests from councillors for traffic-calming measures, but was told the cash-strapped local authority could not afford to carry them out.

Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley opened the debate by seeking a road safety assessment of Upper Road in Crosshaven, where four schools are located.

She said traffic volumes and inappropriate parking were becoming a major safety concern, particularly at school drop-off and collection times.

“I’m asking the council examine what measures could be introduced to improve traffic flow, address parking issues and make the road safer for students, parents and residents,” she said.

“It’s chaotic there. Gardaí go down some mornings and talk to parents, but don’t have the presence they should,” Ms Buckley added.

Fine Gael councillor Jack White described the situation as “a long-standing issue” and said it was worsening as the village’s population increased.

“There are concerns being expressed by the local fire brigade (about access). And the bottom line is we don’t want to see any child getting knocked down,” Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan said.

The council said it had already completed a Safe Routes to School project in the area and could not undertake further remedial measures.

Acting senior executive engineer Andy O’Brien said local schools should inform parents of their policies on dropping off and collecting children during school hours.

Mr Donovan also requested traffic-calming works at Warren's Court in Ringaskiddy, but Mr O’Brien said speeding there was a matter for gardaí to address.

Requests for measures across Carrigaline area 

Fine Gael councillor Úna McCarthy sought similar measures on the R611, particularly along the stretch from the Wheatfield's roundabout towards Ballyfeard.

Again, Mr O’Brien said speeding was a matter for gardaí. However, he agreed to examine whether vegetation near the roundabout could be cut back to improve drivers’ visibility.

Ms McCarthy received a similar response when seeking "speed ramps or other appropriate traffic-calming measures" in Waterfall village, although Mr O’Brien said he would explore whether funding could be secured next year for remedial works.