Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Safety.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

30 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make it a condition of grant approvals by his Department for new schools and school improvements that plans should include the provision of flashing amber lights at school entrances where they are adjacent to national primary and national secondary roads; his views on whether the current situation where there are no warning lights is a great danger to children using these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21595/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

While I certainly agree with the Deputy that all necessary steps should be taken to ensure safety for children outside their schools the question of providing warning lighting on national primary and secondary roads adjacent to schools is a matter for individual local authorities. Plans for new schools, and major improvement works at schools, are submitted to local authorities for planning permission by the school authorities concerned. I am, accordingly, not in a position to impose a condition on schools in respect of a matter which is primarily for local authorities.