Dear Sir,
The F.A.B. Community
services network is a community-based forum for individuals, voluntary groups,
agencies and residents working and living in the Firhouse and Bohernabreena
parishes.
We wish to express our
concern regarding the safety of our children on their way to and from Holy
Rosary N.S., Old Court Avenue. The huge increase in population in the
Bohernabreena and Firhouse parishes and the explosive increase in vehicular
traffic along the Killininny Road, Parklands Road, Old Court Avenue and
adjoining roads makes it impossible for our children to cross the road safely
on their way to and from school. In addition it is extremely difficult for the
school staff to bring large numbers of children to the nearest entrance to
Firhouse Community College (Ballycullen Avenue).
We believe traffic
control measures should be put in place in the following locations:
1.
A
pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights between the Old Court / Parklands
Road junction and the Old Court Shopping Centre.
2.
A
pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights allowing all pedestrians to
cross from the Old Court Shopping Centre to the Firhouse College / Firhouse
Community Centre side of the Killininny Road.
3.
Double
yellow lines on Parklands opposite the Old Court Shopping Centre. (Heavy goods
vehicles continuously park opposite this obstructing the road view.)
4.
Double
yellow lines at the corners of Parklands Road / Old Court Avenue.
5.
In
addition a lollipop person is needed to facilitate children on their way to and
from Holy Rosary N.S. who make their way home through Ballycragh Park.
6.
Warning
signs for motorists regarding school children crossing and defining the school
areas as there are over 1,000 children attending Holy Rosary N.S. and Firhouse
Community College.
7.
Reduction
of speed for motorists in the vicinity of the schools.
We would appreciate this
matter receiving your immediate attention as we consider the safety of our
children is of paramount importance. We fear that an accident is waiting to
happen sooner rather than later.
We anticipate a reply as soon as possible and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours
sincerely,
Mary Roberts (Local
resident and local teacher)
Marie Price Bolger (Local resident and Director of T.W.S.)
Max
Cannon (Local Principle)
Sandra
Bateman (H.S.C.L. Firhouse Community College)
On behalf of The Firhouse and Bohernabreena Community Services Network.