Fr Liam Power has addressed the concerns of parents regarding the closure of the car park at St Joseph & St Benildus Church on the Dunmore Road in Waterford city.
An excerpt from a message sent by Fr Power has been circulated to a local community group on social media.
In the message, Fr Power explained the parish’s decision to close the car park to school traffic.
The parish priest wrote: “A risk assessment taken out by Eurosafe concluded that the parish car park was not designed to cope with the volume of traffic using it at the peak hours of school opening and closing.
“Consequently, there is a high risk of injury to children. The parish would normally be delighted to provide such facilities to parents.
“Unfortunately, we were obliged to inform schools and parents that we could no longer accommodate this practice.
“Our insurers Allianz and legal advisors (William Fery Solicitors), the National Board for Safeguarding Children and the diocese have insisted this policy must be enforced.”
“We have no option but to comply,” he added.
Fr Power said that he has had several discussions with local councillors and TDs regarding the lack of parking for local schools.
He further outlined that he is hoping to organise a public meeting on the subject in the near future.
Fr Power highlighted the number of children enrolled in the nearby schools, arguing that the parish car park cannot handle such a high volume of traffic.
He continued: “Also, we have had three incidents in the car park this week. Cars were damaged but thankfully no one was injured.
“However, there was a very narrow escape today, when a child was almost knocked down. The parent was collecting the child from school.”
Fr Power concluded by saying that the parish is “more than happy” to meet with parents to discuss the issue.