A SCHOOL once dubbed the “most dangerous in Ireland” because of the notoriously dangerous stretch of road it sits could finally have a car park.

Magherabeg National School near Manorcunningham sees a significant amount of daily traffic pass by on the road just outside the school.

A number of road traffic collisions have taken place on the road in recent years.  Inadequate car parking for parents as they drop their children off and pick them up during rush hours compounded fears that a serious accident was just waiting to happen.

The Parents’ Association, staff and the wider school community campaigned to have a variable speed limit introduced during pick-up and drop off points. Since being approved a few years ago, the road now has a reduced speed limit from 100kph to 60kph during those morning and afternoon times.

While the varied speed limit has greatly helped, plans to construct a car park will go even further to ensure everyone’s safety, said Chair of the Parents’ Association, Emmet Murray

Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr Murray said a lot of work has been taking place in the background with Donegal County Council and Road Engineers.

“Our proposed application was lodged with planning on Monday. Within the next 10 weeks we should hear from Council and afterwards the matter will go to Transport Infrastructure Ireland and proceed from there.

“We have been working on obtaining the land. We have been given legal advice that we should have planning permission before we purchase the land.”

Mr Murray said they are in a good financial standing to purchase the land, having fundraised before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are in a position to purchase the land, we have the money. Last week we submitted planning permission for the new car park and we are hoping that will move forward and we will be in a position to purchase the land and complete the car park.”

Mr Murray said despite the success of the varied speed limit in operation during drop off and pick up times, he said there are still incidents of speeding and dangerous manoeuvres.

“Having a car park will keep students, parents and staff much safer.”

Mr Murray thanked Bridgin Farren, James Marshall (Home James buses) and Gareth Rodgers for their help.

“It has taken us three years to get here, but it will be worth it,” said Mr Murray.