by Louise Doyle
GARDAÍ have been assisting outside Dunkineely National School where road safety is a growing concern.
Fears emerged recently in the wake of a near miss after a group of schoolchildren and parents narrowly avoided being struck by a speeding truck outside the school.
The truck reportedly drove through five warning signs and narrowly missed colliding with pedestrians on the crossing outside Dunkineely National School.
The lorry hit the kerb, leaving pedestrians and the wider school community traumatised.
The incident was discussed at latest meeting of Donegal Joint Policing Committee (JPC) in September.
Since then, parents have been using homemade signs to appeal to all motorists to slow down.
On Tuesday of this week, gardaí from Donegal Town Roads Policing Unit were assisting during the morning drop off and afternoon pick up.
Garda Cahalin from Donegal Town Roads Policing Unit assisted with traffic calming measures at the school.
A Fixed Charge Penalty Notice was issued after a motorist was detected travelling at 84km/h on a 60km/h zone on approach to the school.
The spokesperson said: “Motorists, please ensure to slow down when approaching a School. Abide by the rules of the road and expect the unexpected at all times!
“Respect the direction of any traffic lights that are in place.”
The garda also had a word for those on school runs around the county.
“Please do not park illegally when doing school drop offs or pick ups,” they said.
“Follow School traffic management plans that may be in place. They have been put in place to ensure the safety of all attending and approaching the school.
“Leave a little extra time for your journey as delays may be expected.
Councillors have expressed shock and concern and the Department of Education’s failure to support the school with emergency measures.
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