West Donegal primary school wants council to remind drivers to slow down

A primary school in West Donegal has called for the county council to install proper signage in its village to remind drivers to slow down amid growing fears for children’s safety. 

Patricia Harley, who is the principal at Gort a’ Choirce National School, has urged the council to improve the road safety around the Gortahork village to safeguard children, particularly those who are in special education classes. 

“There has always been a problem with speed in the village, but it has worsened over the last few years,” Ms Harley tells DonegalLive. 

“We want people to be aware that there is a special class in our school and that these children may not fully understand the dangers that are associated with the main road.” 

“The locals are very understanding and considerate, but it is to make people who do not know the area as well be aware to slow down, particularly those who are driving big lorries and trucks.” 

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The school board has carried out a risk assessment and has taken steps to ensure the safety of its pupils, such as putting up more fences and signage around the school grounds. However, they believe that this is not enough and more needs to be done outside the premises to fully protect the children.  

“We have done our bit to keep the kids safe, but we would like to meet with the county council to discuss more measures that could be taken throughout the village,” Ms Harley adds. 

“We love to take the kids out on nature walks as well but it would be great if we could take them out in a safe environment.”