'Deep concern' as Lollipop people spat at, abused at work

Since January 2024, 130 incidents have been reported by school wardens or lollipop people while performing their duties, according to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request by RTÉ News. These incidents include being struck by vehicles, spat at, sworn at, and dodging speeding drivers while working. Three wardens reported physical harm, including one warden in Wexford whose arm was struck by an errant driver.

School wardens, employed by local authorities, assist primary school children in safely crossing the road and have the legal authority to stop traffic. Ireland has over 800 full-time and reserve lollipop people, with Dublin City Council reporting the highest number of incidents since 2024 at 48.

The most frequent complaints involve drivers failing to stop at crossings or verbally abusing the wardens. In Cork County, a warden reported 12 vehicles breaking their crossing over a three-day period, with at least six in a single half-hour window. In South Dublin County, a warden sought a transfer due to nearly daily verbal abuse from parents, and another warden faced a cyclist who hit and spat at them.

Multiple reports also highlighted vehicles striking a warden's lollipop sign and drivers berating wardens for taking too long to cross.

Drivers who fail to stop for school wardens can face a €160 fine and two penalty points, which may increase to €320 and five points upon court appearance. Despite this, only two drivers have been issued penalty points for the offense since 2024. The Department of Transport spokesperson emphasized the severity of any threat to these wardens, while Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney called for any hostility towards them to be treated seriously and punished accordingly.

The Road Safety Authority expressed deep concern over the experiences of school wardens, affirming their vital role in protecting school children and emphasizing that stopping for a school warden is a strict legal requirement, not a courtesy.

Joan Farrell, a school warden in Blanchardstown, Dublin, has been working at her crossing since 1982. She described regular incidents at her crossing, noting that despite a 50 km/h speed limit, many drivers exceed the speed limit. Farrell recounted that in her 44-year career, only one driver had pulled over and apologized for failing to stop. She urged drivers to remember the strict legal requirement to stop for school wardens and to be mindful of their behavior around school zones.