COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor T. Gilligan

That this Area Committee agrees to remove the pencil bollards opposite Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin, it is unsafe on a bike as there is no space between the pencils and cars. Lack of Garda resources means cars still park here for short durations - the pencils are not helping.

REPORT:

The bollards on Old Nangor Road outside Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin were installed as part of the Safe School Streets Scheme funded by the National Transport Authority. Since completion, these measures have been widely welcomed by school staff, parents, and pupils, as they have significantly improved safety for all road users in the vicinity of the schools.

The narrower road, combined with traffic ramps installed as part of the scheme, has significantly slowed vehicular traffic, improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. Importantly, the reduced road width prevents motorists from overtaking cyclists when opposing traffic is present, eliminating a common and dangerous manoeuvre that previously forced cyclists towards the kerb.

Engagement with parents, school staff, and pupils shows significant positive feedback. In particular, children who were previously escorted directly to the school gate are now being dropped off at more appropriate locations and walking safely to the school independently. This change in behaviour has been made possible by removing unsafe on-street parking through the installation of bollards.

The success of these measures in Clondalkin and Palmerstown has led to many other schools in South Dublin County requesting similar interventions, and additional schemes have already been rolled out as a result. It is not proposed to remove the bollards.