€1.6m road safety scheme for Portrane schoolchildren to begin construction
Construction of a €1.6m project aimed at improving safety for schoolchildren in north Dublin is set to begin next month, but it will not include dedicated cycle paths.
The Portrane Road Enhancement Project in Donabate is focused on improving safety for schoolchildren and families travelling to and from St Patrick’s Boys National School and Scoil Phádraic Cailíní.
The long awaited scheme, first proposed in 2020, will include widening the footpath on the northern side of the R126 to 2.5m between the entrance to Carr’s Mill Estate and Martin’s Lane. The section of the R126 between the entrance to Carr’s Mill Estate and Martin’s Lane will also be widened to 6.5m.
New pedestrian crossings and a series of traffic-calming measures will be introduced to reduce vehicle speeds, including a raised table and tightened junction layouts.
A new bus lay-by is also planned, allowing buses to pull off the main carriageway in an effort to improve traffic flow along the busy route.
A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said the scheme is a footpath upgrade and road safety initiative that will help create a “slower speed environment” for children and their families.
“Cycle facilities were considered as part of the scheme. However, there is no wider network of cycle facilities to connect to in the area. Therefore, introducing cycle facilities as part of this scheme would result in a remote standalone section of cycle path on Portrane Road,” the spokesperson said.
“This would not be consistent with proper network planning and would not provide an appropriate quality of service in accordance with best practice.”
Mayor of Fingal, Tony Murphy, welcomed the project, describing it as a significant investment in local infrastructure.
“This is an important investment in the local area that will significantly improve safety and accessibility for the community,” he said.
“In particular, it will support safer journeys for schoolchildren and their families, while encouraging walking and cycling and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment for everyone who uses this route.”
Local councillor Corina Johnston also welcomed the scheme.
“This long-awaited project will significantly improve safety for children, parents and all road users at St Patrick’s Boys National School and Scoil Phádraic Cailíní,” she said.
She added that the upgrades were a key objective of the Donabate Local Area Plan, following campaigning by schools, parents’ associations, community groups and public representatives.
“This is an important investment in safety, infrastructure and the future of our growing community in Donabate,” she said.
Director of Infrastructure and Transport at Fingal County Council, Matthew McAleese, said the scheme will support a “shift towards active travel while improving connectivity for all road users”.
Fingal County Council has appointed Donnelly Civil Engineering Ltd to carry out the works, which are scheduled to begin in July and are expected to take approximately nine months to complete.
The local authority added that access to homes and businesses will be maintained where possible throughout the construction period to minimise disruption.
Works in front of the school will be undertaken during the school holiday periods while one lane of traffic will be maintained throughout the works.