Children at St Mary’s High School, Brollagh are now in their fourth week of term without Education Authority transport following claims that almost a quarter of students have had their school bus passes withdrawn.

A review of the road was carried out by police and the Department of Infrastructure following a request from the St Mary’s High School Parent Council. 

The Herald has been told that the findings of the review were, “The B52 is a road governed by the National Speed Limit of 60mph, which connects Belleek to Garrison. It is a country road with a series of bends, dense foliage and mature trees on both sides. The road is not street lit and there isn’t a footway linking Belleek Village to St Mary’s High School.

“This is a busy road, heavily used in the morning and afternoon by all types of vehicles including HGVs. The road is so narrow in places that if two larger vehicles met at certain points, passing would be quite difficult. 

“In the interests of road safety, I would be concerned if this road was deemed suitable as a safe route for pedestrians, particularly when such vulnerable road users are school children. The dark winter days would be particularly hazardous to pedestrians,” continued the author of the report.

Jane Weir chair of the Parents Council says she is ‘grateful for the report from the PSNI and DFI.’

“The EA seem oblivious to the impact of their decision on children’s education and more alarmingly don’t appear to have given any thought to children’s safety and possibly lives. 

Thankfully there hasn’t been another tragedy on the road as a result of this outrageous decision. 

We urge the EA to fulfil their commitments to these children and make the transport arrangements that they are legally bound to as soon as possible.’

The Education Authority will carry out a review of the road, and previously told the Herald,

“EA will update all interested parties once the assessment has been completed.”