Councillors call for crash barrier at Errew NS

Councillors call for crash barrier at Errew NS


Ciara Galvin

FINE Gael Councillor Cyril Burke has called on Mayo County Council to consider erecting a crash barrier at the roadside of Errew NS to prevent a serious accident from taking place.
The councillor told last week’s Castlebar Electoral Area Meeting that one serious accident has already taken place at the school, adding that it could have been fatal if children were playing in the playground at the time.
Fianna FΡil Councillor Al McDonnell stated that it was ‘only by the grace of God’ that children weren’t out playing at the time of the accident.
Councillors were in agreement in relation to the provision of a crash barrier at the school, however Mayo County Council roads engineer, Anne Sweeney informed the meeting that difficulties would arise due to the distance of the fence around the school playground from the road and the cost of installing a barrier.
Ms Sweeney said the installation of the barrier alone would cost €13,000, excluding additional works such as building works or laying back fences. Some councillors agreed that such costs should not be paid solely by the Council and that talks with school officials about coming on board to pay some of the costs should take place.
Ms Sweeney told the councillors gathered that she would revisit the site and speak with school officials.