The staff, parents and pupils of Lissivigeen National School are seeking immediate action to address the problem of traffic outside of their school and the safety risk it poses on a daily basis.

Principal Ellen Cagney and Michelle Barrett, chairperson of the Parent’s Association at Lissivigeen National School, made an urgent appeal during a deputation to local councillors at the recent Killarney Municipal District meeting, calling for help in tackling the issue of congested traffic outside of the school.

The primary school is located on the busy N22 primary road and there is a daily traffic build up outside of the school every day, putting the parents and children at risk.

There has been a big increase in school numbers over the last 20 years, and as a result the parking needs of the school have changed.

The school has 271 pupils, including 170 families.

With many children arriving by car, the lack of adequate and safe parking facilities near the school has become a growing concern.

The existing car park, in place since 2007, is no longer fit for purpose. Principal Cagney said that parents have no choice but to park on the left and right of the N22 which extends past the footpath on the grassy verges, which is unsafe.

The combination of parked cars and the large volume of traffic create a very unsafe environment.

The speed limit is 60km p/h, which is not appropriate for a school zone.

The school is asking for more signage to be erected, preferably a digital sign which would warn drivers of reduced speed at school drop off hours.

Road markings are also required to warn drivers that there is a school zone ahead.

They are calling for urgent intervention and the implementation of funding and planned improvements.

In the deputation, the school warned that if the situation is left as is, there is a high risk of a serious accident.

The councillors were all in agreement that something must be done to ensure the safety of all staff, pupils and parents, saying that funding is vital to improve the safety.

Cllr Niall Kelleher said that one problem is leading to another and suggested that if the parking area was turned into a set down area where cars could drop and go, it might alleviate some of the traffic pressure.

Cllr Marie Maloney recalled her own experience at the roundabout recently and described the traffic as “chaotic” while Cllr Brendan Cronin said it is a “nightmare traffic wise” during school drop off and pick up hours.

Kerry County Council said they are actively working on this issue with signs being erected on all sides of the roundabout and acknowledged that further funding is needed to address the issue.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser afterwards, Principal Cagney said that if the TFI Anseo bus was extended to come out to Lissivigeen roundabout, it would make a huge difference.

She emphasised that the safety of the children is paramount and reiterated the need for a safer drop-down area which would make pulling out onto the road easier.