Major health and safety project for Offaly town gets go ahead
€4m Banagher project will improve safety for pedestrians
A major health and safety project for Banagher, the “Banagher Safe Route to Schools Active Travel Scheme,” was given the green light by the Councillors of Offaly County Council during their April meeting on Monday afternoon.
Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy told the meeting that she was delighted to propose today the delivery of the Safe Routes to School Scheme in Banagher Town. She pointed out that this was a very important project that will significantly enhance the safety of students attending St. Rynagh’s National School and Banagher College Secondary School.
The scheme addresses a number of long-standing issues in the area, issues that have been ongoing for many years. “It is very welcome progress,” remarked Cllr Hennessy Kennedy, “and I am pleased to see it now moving forward, with works expected to commence in the near future.”
The Safe Routes to School Scheme will deliver a wide range of safety improvements, particularly in enhancing pedestrian access to both schools. These works include upgrades to existing footpaths, as well as improvements to public lighting and drainage along Main Street, Cuba Avenue, and St. Rynagh’s Road. A new footpath will also be constructed, along with additional lighting and drainage infrastructure in key areas.
The scheme will introduce a number of child-friendly safety features, including colourful road markings within the school zone, pencil-shaped bollards, and a designated bus set-down area for school transport.
Importantly, the widening of footpaths along Cuba Avenue, St. Rynagh’s Road, and Main Street will support safer movement for pedestrians and will be complemented by traffic calming measures. These measures have long been called for by the people of Banagher, particularly to address concerns around speeding traffic entering the town. This aspect of the scheme will be especially welcomed by the local community.
“I am also encouraged by the strong level of public engagement during the consultation process,” the Councillor added. “The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating clear community support for this project.
“The people of Banagher have been waiting many years for these improvements, and this scheme will greatly enhance the town. It promotes active travel, supports more sustainable transport options, and has been carefully designed to respect the town’s archaeological and heritage significance, while also considering environmental and ecological impacts.
“Overall, this project will improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and create a safer, lower-speed environment for children travelling to and from school. I am very pleased to support and propose this Part 8 today.”
Cllr Hughie Egan seconded the proposal. He congratulated the engineers Brian Keenaghan and Tommy Ryan for their excellent work. “I am on the Board of Management of Banagher College and they are very excited about this project.” He said it will cost €4 million. “I think it will be a great thing for Banagher, which is a long time crying out for it.”
Cllr Seán Maher praised the engineers and the design team. “This represents a substantial investment in Banagher. Coupled with the Marina project and the new pool it is an exciting time for Banagher. There used to be two hotels in the town; now there are none. Hopefully these three projects will encourage somebody to open another hotel in the town.”
Cllr Aoife Masterson said there are many issues facing rural schools and the safety of children walking to school is one of them. She said many other schools in Offaly will be envious of Banagher for securing this project. “We should write to the Minister outlining the need in the county for more schemes like this.”
Cllr Peter Ormond commented that the scheme was discussed a number of times during meetings of Birr MD. “This scheme will address a number of longstanding issues in the town. We now need to proceed as quickly as possible and get the funds for this. Hopefully we will have the money in place for this scheme within two or three years time.” He added that the Council received 15 submissions about the project and most of them were positive. “The design team have addressed some of the issues raised in the submissions which weren't so positive.”
Cllr Eleanor Clendennen pointed out that adults as much as children will benefit from the safer situation in Banagher.
Cllr Noel Cribbin said his mother was from Banagher, therefore he has an affection for the town. “I was there recently for a funeral and it seemed to me that the town needs a bit of investment. It is great to see now that things are moving and important investment is going to happen.”
Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, commented that sometimes the people of Banagher feel they are being left behind. “While there are no Councillors living in the town, we Councillors in Birr Municipal District remain deeply committed to the town.”