Urgent road safety action sought after 78km/h speed recorded outside Frosses school

Two in five drivers were clocked speeding outside Frosses National School, with one motorist recorded at 78km/h during a recent survey. The results of a council-led speed survey were presented to councillors at today's meeting of the Municipal District of Donegal by Roads and Transportation Area Manager Mark Sweeney. More than 27,000 vehicles were recorded, with an average of around 2,900 vehicles passing through the area each day. Mr Sweeney reported that the average speed limit was below 50kph during school hours, but 41% of vehicles surveyed exceeded the existing 50kph limit, with some individuals doing 65kph during school hours. The maximum speed recorded during the 13-day survey period was 78kph. A 30km/h zone through Frosses is being considered as part of the ongoing speed limit review. Meanwhile, councillors renewed calls for a flashing speed sign near the school. The meeting heard that the measure would cost approximately €5,000, including around €4,000 for the sign itself. Cathaoirleach Jimmy Brogan (IND) welcomed the survey and said: 'It's good we are aware there is a real problem. €5,000 for that sign is not a massive amount of money and it's important we find it somewhere.' Cllr Noel Jordan also pushed for the sign to be installed while longer-term road safety measures are being progressed. The Sinn Féin councillor asked whether funding could be taken from the Minor Infrastructure Scheme. Mr Sweeney said he hoped the sign could instead be funded from any remaining maintenance budget available towards the end of the year. Cllr Jordan also raised the proposed pedestrian crossing in the centre of Frosses village and asked whether action could be taken before any new speed limits come into effect. Mr Sweeney confirmed that the council is examining an option for the crossing and that a preliminary sketch has been prepared. Discussions are expected with the parish priest because of the potential minor impact on the car park. Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Brogan pointed out that the school is busy with pick-ups, drop-offs and after-school sessions from 8am to 6pm. He told Donegal Daily: 'The reality is there are people being picked up and dropped off all day in Frosses National School, and we've shown now that there is speeding going past the school.' He added: 'It's important that Council now take action and put up the signs that show the traffic what speed they're doing, and make sure they slow down.'