Laois councillor suggests driving lessons for secondary students
A councillor believes driving lessons should be given to secondary school students during Transition Year.
Independent Cllr Aisling Moran raised the issue in the context of road safety during the last meeting of Laois Joint Policing Committee.
Cllr Moran asked if it would be possible to introduce driving lessons for secondary school children. She said it should be done in the interest of road safety.
She asked if it was possible “that the kids could do their 12 lessons and come out with a driving test, or that they could do something in conjunction with the Department of Education.”
Laois Offaly Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan explained that the gardai were not the only organisation involved in road safety.
“I am aware in other places Transition Year students would see presentations from different groups around road safety. I know in neighbouring Kildare, they certainly bring all the Transition Year students together on a date where they provide information and create a strong awareness around it. There is certainly value in that,” said Chief Supt Lonergan.
He said Gardai could, together with other stakeholders in road safety, engage with Transition Year students in Laois.