SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has welcomed a commitment from the Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to address road safety concerns affecting Hollybush Primary School, Steelstown Primary School and Bunscoil Cholmcille.

Following a meeting with the schools, Mr Eastwood wrote to the Minister urging action over traffic congestion and inconsiderate parking at busy drop-off and pick-up times.

The Minister has confirmed that she has asked officials to work with the schools and key stakeholders to address the situation.

Mr Eastwood said: “During my recent meeting with these schools, I heard directly about the impact these road safety issues are having on pupils, parents and staff. Inconsiderate parking and gridlock at pick-up and drop-off times are creating real problems, including an incident last year in which a child was knocked down. Staff should not be left to manage this situation themselves, which is why I raised these concerns with the Infrastructure Minister and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership to seek solutions.

Colum Eastwood MP and Colr. Catherine McDaid meeting with school representatives.

placeholder image — Colum Eastwood MP and Colr. Catherine McDaid meeting with school representatives.

“I welcome confirmation that the Minister’s department will work with the schools and other stakeholders to address these issues. I am also awaiting confirmation from the PSNI about increased patrols in the Steelstown Road area at busy times. We will continue to press for action until these schools can be confident that pupils are getting to and from school safely, allowing staff to focus on the fantastic work they do educating our children.”

SDLP Ballyarnett Councillor Catherine McDaid said: “As a parent with children at Steelstown Primary School and a local resident, I am acutely aware of the impact traffic is having on school life and the stress it creates for parents and staff who simply want to get children to school safely. I have been working with these schools for some time to identify potential solutions, and the Minister’s acknowledgement of these concerns is an important first step.

“We now need to see practical action so that parents do not have to worry about their children’s safety when travelling to school and staff are not left dealing with traffic disputes every morning. I would urge parents and motorists to be considerate when dropping off and collecting pupils. Everyone has a responsibility to help make the journey to and from school safer.”