Limerick youth academy and the University of Limerick recognised in road safety awards
A LIMERICK university and a youth academy have been awarded in the Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Moyross Youth Academy was awarded in the Leading Lights Primary Education category for their project which aimed to raise awareness of the dangers and risks associated with the misuse of scrambler bikes and quads in urban areas.
During Covid-19, the area of Moyross saw an increase in this activity with very limited opportunities to address the issue with the then ongoing restrictions.
The project in May 2021 involved the launch of a road safety campaign in the community with the staging of a road crash involving a scrambler and a car, along with the emergency response.
This event was witnessed by 6th-class students from Corpus Christi School.
It was followed by a discussion on road safety between the students, advanced paramedic Keith Mullane, and Sergeant Tony Miniter from Limerick Roads Policing Unit.
This was then followed by a launch of a documentary on the issue, which was shown locally and is available on Facebook.
Chairperson of the RSA Liz O’Donnell presented the awards saying: “Each year, these awards allow us to recognise those who are doing their utmost to keep our local communities safe and educate others on the importance of road safety.
“I would like to thank all those who nominated individuals, community groups or businesses in this year’s awards, and especially this year’s winners, for their incredible and inspiring work and efforts to make our roads, and in turn, our communities, a safer place for everyone.”
The University of Limerick was awarded in the Leading Lights Third-Level Education category for their Safety Travel Project which promotes sustainable and safe travel modes for the campus community.
This is achieved through various behavioural change campaigns and physical infrastructure improvements.
The Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards 2022 were presented in the following categories: Education (Pre-primary, Primary, Secondary, Third Level, Community), Business, Emergency Services, Gay Byrne Media Award, Road Safety Champion, Public Sector, Future, CPC Trainer of the Year, Approved Driving Instructor, Sustainable Travel. The RSA also presented three Special Recognition Awards to people and organisations who have demonstrated a commitment to road safety in their communities.
This year the RSA received over 80 award nominations from all over Ireland for individuals, schools, businesses, community groups, colleges and organisations which were reviewed by an independent judging panel.