Scoil na bhForbacha was yesterday (Wednesday honoured with a ‘Leading Light Award’ in the Best School Initiative category by the Road Safety Authority (RSA ). The award was presented at a special ceremony in the Cusack Suite, Croke Park Stadium, Dublin.
This prestigious national award recognises the extraordinary commitment and creativity all the children in Scoil na bhForbacha have shown over the past few years in highlighting road safety concerns outside their school.
Their work included protest walks, student-produced videos, letters to Galway County Council, and participation in local and national media interviews, all aimed at securing safe, reliable crossing infrastructure on the busy R336.
Speaking after the ceremony, the school praised the students’ leadership and determination:
“Tá muid thar a bheith bródúil as gasúir na scoile s’againne atá ag troid go láidir ar mhaithe le slí shábháilte chun na scoile. Is é a gceart é.” said Príomhoide Áine Ní Thuathail. “This award recognises their voice. A voice calling for nothing more than the basic right to cross the road safely. We are immensely proud of them.”Award Underscores Community’s Call for Urgent Safety Measures
The achievement comes after a record 321 submissions were made by Na Forbacha parents and residents to Galway County Council’s consultation on the Safe Routes to School (SRTS ) proposal. This unprecedented response reflects the deep concern locally that without signalised pedestrian lights (puffin crossing ) and reduced speed limits, children will remain at risk on one of the busiest and fastest sections of the R336.
While the community welcomes elements of the proposed plan, including raised zebra crossings, new signage, and speed reduction measures, residents remain clear that these fall short of what is needed to protect children walking and cycling to school.
“This award showcases the leadership of our young people,” said Coiste Sábháilteachta na bhForbacha. “But it also highlights what is still missing: proper, signalised pedestrian lights. Our children should not have to campaign for basic safety. Today’s recognition makes it even more urgent that Galway County Council delivers the protections they deserve.”
Recent media commentary has described the SRTS scheme as a success, but this narrative does not reflect the reality in Na Forbacha, where families must still navigate a 50 km/h national route without a push-button crossing.
For many parents, the lack of a secure, controlled crossing continues to be a barrier to allowing their children to walk or cycle to school.
Príomhoide Ní Thuathail added: “A zebra crossing on a high-speed route is not enough. Without traffic lights, many families will continue to feel they have no safe option but to drive, undermining the very purpose of Safe Routes to School.”
The RSA ceremony celebrated the students’ achievements, including a visit to the Croke Park Museum, the Skyline Tour, and a full stadium tour, creating a memorable day that recognised a year of hard work. But for the children of Scoil na bhForbacha, the ultimate goal remains unchanged: to secure safe active travel routes for all.
The message from the community remains clear. Na Forbacha demands traffic lights and reduced speed limits to protect children and ensure this once-in-a-generation opportunity is not wasted.
“We will continue to fight until our children have the safety they deserve,” said the Coiste Sábháilteachta na bhForbacha.
