A NOVEL approach to improving traffic management at Lisheen National School was mooted by Cllr Caroline Cronin, writes Jackie Keogh.

The Fine Gael councillor tabled a motion at the recent meeting of the West Cork Municipal District calling on Cork County Council to consider widening the road on the eastern side of Lisheen National School.

In addition to providing much-needed extra parking spaces, she suggested it would improve road safety, and ease traffic congestion, during school drop-off and pick-up times.

‘A bigger car park would resolve access issues for parents, staff, school transport, and emergency vehicles,’ she stated.

Executive engineer Kevin Lynch pointed out that Cork County Council does not own the lands adjacent to, or opposite, the school, so it would not be able to widen the road in a significant way.

He suggested that Cllr Cronin’s proposal could be better served under the National Transport Authority’s Safe Routes to Schools Scheme.

If approved, the engineer said the safe routes to school scheme would provide better walking, cycling and wheelchair accessible routes, similar to other projects throughout West Cork.

Cllr George Gill (FF) and Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire) agreed with Cllr Cronin’s assessment of the situation and not to be deterred the Fine Gael councillor suggested the landowner might agree to the widening of the car park.

Mr Lynch said the local authority could look into her proposal, provided the landowner gives their permission.