More school traffic wardens are in the pipeline for the city, after it was revealed that some pupils are forced to cross up to four lanes of heavy traffic on the treacherous Dublin Road at peak times.

There is currently one warden or 'lollipop lady' assisting children crossing the road from Mervue and Glenina Heights to attend Renmore School, the same site a local resident was killed in a tragic accident earlier this year.

Galway City Council has committed to providing extra school wardens for both the Ballybane Road and the Dublin Road. The new positions will be advertised later this week.

"This is an extremely intimidating road for a warden to provide such an important service. A second warden will be an increased safety measure for the children and will ensure a service at all times in the event of staff absence," said Cllr Mary Leahy, who campaigned for a second warden, as an interim measure while awaiting pedestrian lights, which will be in place by Spring 2008.

A similar situation has also arisen in Ballybane, where no staff were available last week to assist children crossing the busy Ballybane Road to Mervue School.

"This is an extremely busy and dangerous main road, used by children residing in the Ballybane area to access their local Mervue School," said Cllr Leahy.

"I have noted motorists travelling at excessive speed during off peak times, which is an added danger. It is frightening to consider that young children would be expected to navigate this road. It is a fact that young children will misjudge the speed and distance of cars."

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