Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
185. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if any financial supports are available through her Department to facilitate the board of a school (details supplied) in purchasing off-road parking; if he is aware of the urgency of this matter, in light of a near-tragic incident occurring on the N56, with children crossing the road to attend the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45886/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the school in question is located on a Patron owned site and in such instances property related issues, including acquisitions, are a matter for the Patron.
Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care.
The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools on public roads, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter, for the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools to ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children. My Department has no function in this matter.
