Knocknacarra children are celebrating a safer passage to school this week after a much-awaited pedestrian crossing was ready to cross.
Traversing the Western Distributor Road has been deemed a daily hazard for children, and a major source of worry for parents and teaching staff at St John the Apostle, Knocknacarra National School, which is attended by some 450 pupils. But now, thanks to huge efforts locally, especially the school’s Parents’ Association, a series of new pedestrian crossings has been installed on busy road by the Galway City Council.
Nearly 80 per cent of the school children either walk or cycle to school, and the installation of a series of pedestrian crossings along the entire Western Distributor is expected to encourage more children to make their way to and from school independently, while leading the way as green ambassadors.
Mary Lynch, who has three children attending the school, is both delighted and relieved.
"There were many times, prior to their installation, when my three children and I risked life and limb crossing the Distributor Road at the Clybaun Road roundabout.”
The pedestrian crossings, she says, “will enable my children and I to walk safely and stress free to and from their school".
“It will make a significant difference to our family life and the lives of many other families in Knocknacarra."
