Children at North Cork school at risk from cars using motorway slip road, claims councillor 

Concerns have been raised about the safety of children attending the national school in Watergrasshill, particularly as a large volume o traffic pass the school daily to avoid paying  the M8 motorway toll.
Children at North Cork school at risk from cars using motorway slip road, claims councillor 

A 2023 traffic survey showed that more than 3,000 vehicles pass the Watergrasshill school each day, many to avoid paying the toll on the M8 motorway. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Schoolchildren studying just metres from a Cork motorway exit are being put at risk because the slip road leading almost to their front door has an 80km/h speed limit, a local councillor has claimed.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of children attending the national school in Watergrasshill, particularly as a large volume of HGVs and cars pass the school daily to avoid paying the nearby toll on the M8 motorway.

A 2023 traffic survey showed that more than 3,000 vehicles pass the school each day.

Watergrasshill-based Fianna Fáil councillor Sheila O’Callaghan raised the issue at a meeting of Cobh Municipal District Council.

She said the speed of vehicles coming off the motorway slip roads adjacent to the national school is “awful” and that the local garda is working to help protect pupils.

Carried out works

Cork County Council, in conjunction with the National Roads Authority, carried out works on the western side of the school, the side closest to the motorway. A pedestrian crossing with traffic lights was installed.

“This pedestrian crossing is not a raised ramp and does not slow the traffic other than when it turns red,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

In a statement council engineers said: “Cork County Council will continue to monitor traffic speeds in the vicinity of Watergrasshill National School.

“Should the recorded speeds indicate non-compliance with speed limits, the council will consider the reinstallation of a driver feedback sign or other appropriate measures to enhance driver awareness, particularly in relation to school traffic and pedestrian safety.”

They said they would report back to councillors with the findings of the speed surveys.

More in this section

Judges gavel in courtroom legal trial and law background Evidence to be served on Cork man accused of assaulting American tourist
Work underway at Cork's Marymount Hospice to repair fire damage   Work underway at Cork's Marymount Hospice to repair fire damage  
Garda lantern sign Gardaí at scene of serious collision in Cork city

Sponsored Content

Young woman managing finances at home with phone and piggy bank Government Personal Investment Account must target mainstream savers
Powering performance: South East Technological University is shaping sporting success Powering performance: South East Technological University is shaping sporting success
Portrait smiling senior woman making purchases in the supermarket selecting checking a product. Caucasian elderly customer in gr Safe2Eat 2026: Helping Irish people make safer, smarter food choices this summer
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more