Parents of children attending Tuam Educate Together National School have launched a petition calling for safer road conditions and proper access to sports facilities for their children.
The petition, set up by local parent Sarah Reynolds on the Uplift petitions platform, is urging the Minister for Education and the Minister for Transport to 'introduce speed ramps on Dublin Road, Athenry Road, and Frank Stockwell Road'.
Parents believe these ramps are the only way to ensure that children can walk safely to and from school.
They are also calling for illuminated speed signs showing a speed limit of 30 km per hour and are asking for a school warden to be stationed at Dublin Road near the old courthouse to help children cross safely.
The petition—which has already garnered over 400 signatures—also highlights the lack of proper parking near the school, particularly accessible spaces. It further demands that students be given access to nearby sports pitches and a sports hall.
Posing a significant risk to safety
Speaking about the issue, Sarah Reynolds said, “As a community, we value the well-being, safety, and education of our children. The lack of access to safe sports facilities and the perilous routes students take to reach them is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention.
"Every day, more than 2,200 students and families use Dublin Road, Athenry Road, and Frank Stockwell Road to get to and from school. This poses a significant risk to their safety, as these roads are congested with all manner of vehicles, including cars, buses, tractors, and lorries.
“The situation is particularly alarming for our children in Tuam Educate Together NS, who must walk over 3 km to and from Tuam Stars GAA Club to access sports pitches. This not only puts them at risk of injury or worse but also limits their opportunities for physical activity, socialisation, and team-building through sport.”
United in the goal to protect children
Patrick Kelleher, a Campaigner at Uplift, said: “No matter who we are or where we come from, all of us want our kids to be able to get to school safely. Our communities should be spaces where everybody can get around without fear or danger.
“For too long successive governments have prioritised traffic and private car use over walkable, safe communities and it is great to see communities taking a stand and demanding that safe walking routes are given long overdue priority.
“It’s inspiring to see how the school community has rallied together to start this petition and demand better for their children and for future generations. We hope the government will take note of the huge support in Tuam for better road conditions and access to sports facilities for children at the Educate Together school, and we expect swift action.”
