Louth County Council has confirmed that Callystown National School in Clogherhead is set to benefit from significant road safety improvements as part of the national Safe Routes to School initiative.

This programme aims to create safer, more accessible routes for children walking, cycling, and scooting to school, while also improving pedestrian infrastructure for the wider community.

The planned works at Callystown NS include:

• Installation of new and upgraded footpaths and cycleways
• Safer pedestrian crossings
• Enhanced road markings and signage
• Introduction of traffic signals, bollards, and ramps at key locations

All works will be completed within the existing road and footpath layout, ensuring minimal environmental impact and disruption to the local area.

Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Declan Power, said:

 “As a resident and Councillor for the area, I warmly welcome this development for the community of Clogherhead. I’ve been advocating for these road safety measures for several years, and I’m delighted to see them moving forward combined with the Safe Routes to School Programme.

Callystown National School is at the heart of village life, and ensuring our children can travel safely to and from school—and nearby amenities like the local playground—must always be a top priority.”

“These upgrades will help calm traffic, improve visibility, and make our roads safer for everyone, including older residents and those with limited mobility. It’s a sensible, well-balanced project that enhances safety without altering the character of the area. I fully support these works and will continue to advocate for similar initiatives across the Drogheda and the Drogheda Rural district. 

These improvements will also complement the raised pedestrian crossing and traffic-calming ramp scheduled for Chapel Road this year. I'm also actively seeking to have street lighting added near the local playground to further enhance safety," Cllr. Power added.

In addition to Callystown NS, Louth County Council has also announced that Belurgan NS in Dundalk and St. Mary’s NS in Knockbridge will benefit from similar Safe Routes to School investments in 2025.

Public Consultation Now Open

Members of the public are invited to review and provide feedback on the proposed works. Drawings and project details will be available for public inspection from Tuesday, April 22nd to Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 at the following locations:

Louth County Council Offices, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, A91 KFW6

Louth County Council Civic Offices, Fair Street, Drogheda, A92 P440

Online at: https://consult.louthcoco.ie/en/consultation/section-38-safe-routes-school-round-2

Written submissions or observations are welcome and must be clearly marked:

“Section 38 Safe Routes to School – [School Name]”

Submissions should be addressed to:

Senior Executive Officer
Placemaking & Physical Development
Louth County Council
Millennium Centre
Dundalk, A91 KFW6.