‘Miracle’ students didn’t sustain serious injuries in Limerick bus collision
Calls for barricade after second school bus overturns at same spot
IT IS a “miracle” there were no injuries to students in the school bus that overturned in Caherline, said Cllr Martin Ryan, who has previously called for funding for the R513 route.
Cllr Ryan was speaking at a Joint Policing Committee meeting of the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal district.
Last month’s collision took place just feet away from where a school bus went off the road in 2018.
Cllr Ryan praised the teenagers who looked after the younger students and the first responders on April 16 last.
The Cappamore-based councillor, who runs Martin Ryan & Sons haulage company with his brothers, has driven the R513 countless times in trucks.
“You have no room for manoeuvre on the R513.
“It’s a miracle there were no serious injuries to students.
“This is the second time it has happened,” said Cllr Ryan, who repeated calls for funding from the department for the R513.
In 2020 he said: “The safety of commuters and local people using the road is a priority. Improve it sooner, rather than later,” said Cllr Ryan.
Cllr John Egan, who had originally raised the issue of the school bus collision, said barricades need to be erected along that stretch of the the R513.
“I know it well. It’s very dangerous,” said Cllr Egan, who had called for a barrier in 2020.
Brian Kennedy, director of services, transportation and mobility directorate, said they have previously requested additional funding from the department for improvements to the R513.
“I will keep the pressure on.
“They are aware of the issues,” said Mr Kennedy.