Kids’ annual road awareness event cancelled due to safety concerns

A long-awaited traffic-calming scheme for Carlanstown is finally being developed by Meath County Council, following years of campaigning by residents concerned about pedestrian safety in the village.

The council confirmed it is progressing plans for a new pedestrian crossing near the local shop, with two possible locations under consideration — one on either side of the premises. A topographical survey has already been completed, and footpath improvement works will be carried out depending on the final site selected.

The next step will involve consultation with local stakeholders before a preliminary design report is submitted to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), as the crossing is located on a national route.

The renewed focus on safety comes after a much-loved children’s road safety event in the village had to be cancelled this year due to what locals described as “dangerous and unacceptable” conditions for pedestrians.

The annual ‘Beep Beep Day’, part of the National Road Authority’s early years road safety campaign, is normally a highlight for pupils at Carlanstown Montessori & Afterschool, where children learn how to use crossings, wear high-visibility gear, and walk safely near traffic.

However, Montessori owner Geraldine McCabe said staff made the difficult decision not to take children on their traditional walk through the village this year, citing major safety concerns.

“We’ve always embraced ‘Beep Beep Day’ as a fun, practical way for children to put their learning into action,” she said. “But this year, we simply couldn’t justify it. The footpaths are uneven and level with the road, heavy vehicles park up where children should be walking, and traffic is moving far too fast for such a built-up area.”

Parents and educators have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of safe walking routes near the school, where a 60 km/h speed limit remains in place within metres of residential estates and a pedestrian light.

“There’s a pedestrian light on a bend that lorries regularly drive straight through. We’ve had to teach children not to step onto the crossing, even when the green man shows, until every vehicle has fully stopped,” Ms McCabe said. “We’re trying to teach road safety, but how can we do that when the roads themselves aren’t safe?”

Earlier this year, residents held a public protest calling for urgent action from Meath County Council and TII. Dozens of locals, including young children, gathered on the main street to highlight the dangers faced daily by pedestrians.

Local mother Lorraine Smyth, who lives on the main street with her young family, said she has witnessed numerous crashes outside her home.

“There have been so many accidents outside my house, cars coming flying in from the Kells road,” she said. “Just a few days before the protest, there was another crash outside Centra. It’s terrifying, especially with three small children. You look both ways, and still, when you go to cross, you’re taking your life in your hands.”

Residents have long sought flashing speed signs, properly marked crossings, and safer footpaths to protect children and pedestrians according to Montessori owner Geraldine.

“We don’t need cycle lanes or huge redesigns. We just want the basics safe crossings, footpaths people can walk on, and reminders for drivers to slow down.

“The population here has grown, more houses have been built, and still the same 60 km/h sign stands in the middle of our estates. We want our children to learn how to walk safely in their own community."

Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke said the progress was welcome but that the community’s frustration was understandable.

“It is welcome that Meath County Council have eventually recognised the need for traffic calming measures in Carlanstown and that they have committed to delivering those,” Deputy O’Rourke said. “It must be said, however, that these things take far too long. There is a real and understandable frustration locally related to that fact. Along with colleagues, I will continue to push for these measures to be designed in co-operation with the local community and delivered in the quickest possible timeframe.”