Appeals for school crossing patrol after child struck by vehicle

THE Education Authority (EA) has pledged to reassess the need for a school crossing patrol (SCP) at a busy road in Dromore after a young boy was struck by a vehicle last week.

The incident, which occurred at traffic lights on the main Omagh to Enniskillen road, has sparked calls for urgent action from local politicians who state that the road is ‘unsafe’ for pupils.

Sinn Féin’s Colette McNulty, who lives in Dromore, said a school crossing patrol is ‘urgently needed’ for St Dympna’s Primary School.

“Thankfully the young boy involved in the accident is not in a serious condition, but we could have been facing much more tragic circumstances.

“This unfortunate accident proves that a school crossing patrol is vital for the safety of local children.”

Sinn Féin MLA, Nicola Brogan, added that the party has been lobbying the Education Authority on the need for a school crossing patrol outside the primary school.

She said, “The site of St Dympna’s is on an extremely busy road, with heavy articulated lorries, emergency vehicles and daily commuters using the road everyday.

“Traffic builds up quickly, especially around school drop-off and pick-up times.

“There is no doubt that School Crossing Patrol assistance would make the road safer for the young students attending the school.”

Orla Meenagh, principal of St Dympan’s PS, reiterated the school’s commitment to student safety and said they are ‘working closely’ with the Education Auhority on the issue.

She stated, “The safety and welfare of our pupils are paramount at all times.

“The Board of Governors, staff and parents of St Dympna’s PS continue to work closely with EA Transport and the Road Safety Partnership Team to ensure the safety of all our pupils travelling to and from school.”

‘sadness’

When contacted by the UH, the Education Authority (EA) expressed sadness over the collision involving a pupil and has pledged to reassess the need for a school crossing patrol (SCP) at St Dympna’s Primary School in Dromore.

They said, “Assessments for two replacement School Crossing Patrols (SCPs) were carried out at St Dympna’s Primary School in October 2023.

“At that time, neither assessment met the criteria for a replacement SCP outlined in the Road Safety GB’s School Crossing Patrol Services Guidelines.

“However, there are provisions within these guidelines for a repeat assessment to be undertaken if there is evidence of a significant change that may impact the original outcome.

“The safety of our pupils remains our highest priority, and, following the recent incident, the EA will now reassess this location and liaise with the school in relation to the outcome.”