Having viewed the relevant map concerning the proposed amendments to the speed limits in Stoneyford, I note that there are no proposals to amend the speed limits on the Southern end of the village.
Scoil Chiarain Naofa (Stoneyford N.S.) is located in this area adjacent to a busy and dangerous junction at the intersection of two busy roads from the point of view of vehicular traffic. Traffic entering the village from the Thomastown direction is almost at the school gate before the speed limit comes into effect.
This is also the case for traffic entering Stoneyford from the Knocktopher direction. Both of these approach roads into the village around the location of the school follow a steep descent for a considerable distance before reaching the environs of the school, and as a consequence traffic will have a tendency to be travelling at speed following the steep gradients of both of these roads.
At present parents park in the street in Stoneyford and walk to the school gate to drop-off and collect their children. As the school entrance is on the opposite side of the Thomastown road to the existing footpath, it is necessary for children and parents to cross this busy road via an existing pedestrian crossing to access and leave the school grounds. With the increase in the school population in recent years, parents and children tend to congregate at and around the school gate area during drop-off and collection time resulting in a very congested area at these times.
The school population is very likely to increase further in the coming years which will exacerbate an already dangerous situation.
I think the points outlined above should be considered in the proposed amendments to speed limits in Stoneyford and this particular location investigated further before a final decision regarding these amendments is taken.