A decision by Castlebar Town Council and Mayo County Council to agree to fund two pedestrian crossings on the approach roads to St Patrick’s Boys’ National School has been welcomed by staff member Harry Barrett, a Labour member on Castlebar Town Council. The crossings are to be placed at Gallow’s Hill, adjacent to the rear entrance to the school and on Chapel Street.
Cllr Barrett, who has campaigned for months on this issue, praised the efforts of local parents who had organised a petition to have pedestrian crossings installed on what is one of the busiest junctions in the town.
“In addition, I had asked that a set down area for buses be installed on Chapel Street for children attending by bus, to alleviate pressure in the school car park, and I am pleased to announce that the town council have agreed to this also,” he said.
Cllr Barrett, who is delighted with the outcomes in both cases, has been assured that the Gallow’s Hill crossing will be installed over the coming weeks and the one on Chapel Street will be delivered by the end of the year.
“The hard working efforts of the Parents' Association of St Patrick’s Boys National School, and indeed the principal, in organising a petition was extremely important in driving these issues. Children attending the school had to run the gauntlet every morning and their safety was being compromised. This could no longer continue,” said Cllr Barrett.
“Credit must also be given to all those children and parents who signed the petition,” he concluded.
