Meath crash road closed for completion of resurfacing

The road on which five children died in the Co Meath school bus crash last week has been closed.

The road on which five children died in the Co Meath school bus crash last week has been closed.

Meath Co Co today decided the R 153, Alexander Reid to Follistown Road for a period of 5 days, following talks with the gardai.

The section of road was being resurfaced at the time of the bus crash and the council intends that works will be completed by Friday for the reopening of the road.

In a statement this evening the council said it was "conscious that the unfinished road continues to act as a vivid and stark reminder of the tragic events".

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"In light of this, a newly opened fully completed road might help lessen the visual reminder, while accepting and appreciating that it will not diminish the burden of sorrow currently being felt throughout the community and further afield.

Meath county manager Tom Dowling said public safety was also a consideration because the scene of the tragedy had become a location for reflection and prayer.

"The council is mindful of the public's best of intentions in this regard but is concerned that this situation could ultimately compromise road safety if the road reopened in its current state.

"We have therefore discussed this matter with the Gardai and contractor on site and have decided that in light of recent circumstances, and the need to accelerate the completion of the roadworks, to officially close the road," Mr Dowling said.