Kells community rep Cormac Corr PC has called for a range of road safety improvements around Scoil Catriona Naofa in Oristown following a meeting with parents and staff at what he described as a “busy and challenging junction” outside the school. Mr Corr, who has long been an advocate for improved road safety in communities across North Meath, said the meeting reflected ongoing concerns about traffic volumes and safety in the area, particularly during peak school times.
He said there was “a constructive and productive discussion” centred on practical, deliverable measures that could make a real difference for the school community. “Today I met with representatives of parents and staff from Scoil Catriona Naofa in Oristown to discuss ongoing road safety concerns around the school,” Mr Corr said. “It was a constructive and productive meeting, with a number of practical measures discussed.”
Among the measures raised were traffic calming ramps, bollards at a key corner, occasional speed van enforcement, and the repair of existing signage, including a loose stop sign. Mr Corr described these as “common-sense improvements” that would help address everyday risks in an area where traffic pressure is already significant.
“These are sensible proposals that would make a real difference for students, parents, and staff,” he said, adding that he will continue to advocate for their delivery. A central focus of the discussion was the issue of heavy goods vehicle traffic passing through the area at peak school times. Mr Corr said there was a strong case for the Council to take a more structured approach.
“One proposal I would particularly like to see the Council enact through a bylaw is a restriction on HGV traffic in the immediate vicinity of the school during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times,” he said.
He added that the intention was to improve fairness and safety in a location where children, parents, pedestrians, and drivers are all sharing a constrained and heavily used junction. “This is a practical and proportionate step that would improve safety for students, parents, and drivers alike.” he said.
Mr Corr confirmed he will be formally raising the matter with the Council in the coming weeks and said he would continue to push for “measured, common-sense improvements” across North Meath. He also thanked local Senator Sharon Keogan for attending the meeting and engaging with the issues raised by the local community.
