Road safety signage to be installed near Gaelscoil - Minister

INFRASTRUCTURE Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed an assessment will be undertaken close to a local primary school in a bid to determine if a reduced speed limit is necessary.

Speaking in the Assembly, Ms Kimmins also confirmed that road safety traffic signs will be installed outside Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Strabane.

She was responding to questions from West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA., Maolíosa McHugh.

The school officially moved from its former home in Ballycolman Estate to a new £7.2m build at Strahans Road at the end of the school year in 2024.

The completion of the project marked the beginning of a new chapter for the provision of Irish language education in the town, with the new seven classroom primary school and nursery school allowing the school to increase its capacity for 176 to 205 primary school pupils and 26 nursery school pupils.

"I can confirm that the developer responsible for the construction of the school is required to erect 'Safer Routes to School' signage and appropriate road markings as part of the approved planning permission," Ms Kimmins said.

"I can also advise that an instruction to complete the required works was passed to the developer’s contractor in October.

"Officials will continue to work with the developer to ensure that the school signage is erected."

During the exchange, Mr McHugh also asked the Minister if a reduced speed limit in proximity to the school will be considered.

Ms Kimmins confirmed an assessment will be conducted.

"My officials will carry out a speed limit assessment on Strahans Road at the school, in line with the department's policy, to determine whether the existing speed limit remains appropriate," she said.

"I can ask officials to keep the member informed of the outcome."

Mr McHugh welcomed the Minister's response.

“I am pleased that, following my question to the Minister, it has been confirmed that Safer Routes to School signage and appropriate road markings will be installed outside Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh," he said.

“This is a welcome step to improve safety for our children and the local community.”