St Oliver's Carrickrovaddy among 40 schools to get 20mph zones

A new temporary 20mph speed limit has been switched on outside St Oliver's Primary School in Carrickrovaddy, Cullyhanna. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins attended the switch-on this week and met with pupils and staff at the school. 

St Oliver's is one of 40 schools included in tranche 3 of the scheme. When all are fully operational, the total number of schools with part-time 20mph speed limits will reach 273.

Minister Kimmins said road safety around schools was a key priority. "I have been clear that road safety is a priority for me and the safety around schools is paramount as children and young people are one of the most vulnerable groups on our roads."

She said the latest tranche had a particular focus on rural schools. "This further tranche represents additional significant investment and has a focus on improving safety at rural schools, which are often located on roads where the national speed limit applies. The volume of traffic is clearly evident at St Oliver's today and the introduction of the 20mph will help to slow that traffic down at the start and end of the school day as pupils arrive and leave to go home."

St Oliver's Principal Mrs Donaghy welcomed the new measure. "We are delighted to see the introduction of the new 20mph zone at St Oliver's Primary School. The safety of our pupils is always our top priority, particularly during the busy times at the start and end of the school day. We hope this initiative will make a real difference in creating a safer environment for our whole school community."

Minister Kimmins said work was continuing to identify further schools that could benefit. "I have asked my officials to identify other schools which could benefit from the 20mph limit and that work is continuing." She added that her department was also reviewing speed limits more broadly, including consideration of permanent 20mph zones, alongside a consultation on safer journeys to school which has recently closed.

The Minister said further road safety measures were also in the pipeline, including additional funding for advertising campaigns focused on general driver behaviour and motorcyclist safety.

All 40 schools in tranche 3 are expected to be operational by the start of the new school term in September.