Write a commentNewry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan and ABC Council, Cllr Darren McNally visited Foley Primary school, Ballymacnab recently to discuss hazardous road conditions in the vicinity of the school.
Speaking after the visit Cathal Boylan MLA said "I was glad of the opportunity to visit with Foley Primary School to discuss a range of concerns highlighted by staff and parents alike.
"Mr. Kelly, Principal, is concerned for the Health and safety of the ever expanding pupil population at Foley. Recent increases in enrolments along with positive and vibrant future pupil projections over the next 3 years have created a position where the parents and children, along with the staff attending the school, are concerned for their safety.
Councillor Darren Mc Nally who has has strongly campaigned for safe access and exit of rural schools as well as adequate salting of those roads in winter months added:
"During the recent bad winter the road surfaces along the lay-by parking/drop-off area at the front of the school have become increasingly dangerous underfoot. Potential for serious injury to adults and young children exist.
Cllr McNally added "Currently School Warning signage on either side of the school is either damaged or not clear and is certainly outdated. This coupled with road markings which have been worn away due to increased volumes of traffic not only to the school but also from the local community has led to an increasingly dangerous environment for all patrons of the school at key collection and drop-off times of the school day."
Both representatives gave a commitment to directly liaise with Transport NI to seek urgent action to fully reinstate school signage, road markings and look at providing alternative traffic calming and safety measures to correctly afford all patrons of the school proper safe exit and access.
