Matthews confirms new pedestrian crossing at Greystones Community National School

Date: 13 September 2021

Green Party TD Steven Matthews has received confirmation that works will commence shortly to construct a new pedestrian crossing on the R744 road - serving Greystones Community National School. There has been a consistent residential development in this area in recent years and with the much-awaited new Greystones Community National School now open there is increased footfall in the area especially at school start and finishing time. Discussing the issue, Deputy Matthews said:

“I had been contacted by local residents earlier this year to enquire about traffic management and pedestrian safety maters when the school would open. The area has quite good pedestrian and cycling infrastructure but there was an obvious weak point around the lack of a safe crossing point on the R744 near the school.

“I checked back on the planning applications over the years and noted that a pedestrian crossing was a condition of a 2019 planning application for a residential development in the area. Subsequently, I liaised with Greystones Municipal District and contacted that developer to request that the work be carried out as soon as possible due to the urgency brought about by the school opening and the need to create a safe route to school.

“I have received confirmation that the developer will now proceed with the construction and a location has been agreed with the district office with a contractor is being appointed shortly.

“Road safety for cyclists and pedestrians and safe routes to school is a priority for me for all areas across Wicklow and I would encourage anyone with a concern or idea for how we can improve safety for our children cycling and walking to school to get in touch.

“The Green Party has secured unprecedented multi annual funding for cycling and walking infrastructure, matched with staff resources within our local authorities which will see huge improvements for vulnerable roads users over the coming years and I will continue my work to ensure Wicklow gets the safety improvements we need, concluded Deputy Matthews.