Seven local schools are among 105 to benefit from Round four of the Safe Routes to School Programme.
The list of additional beneficiaries includes Presentation College and St Joseph’s National School in Carlow while five in Kilkenny are Bennettsbridge NS, Scoil Mhuire NS in Mooncoin, SN Moin Ruadh in Knocktopher, St Kieran’s NS in Johnstown and Stoneyford NS.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “I am delighted to see the Safe Routes to School Programme continuing to advance at pace. This nationwide investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, estimated at around €15-20 million for 2026, not only strengthens the safety of our students but also encourages lifelong habits of sustainable travel. The benefits – better health, safer journeys, lower emissions, and reduced congestion – are already evident in schools where improvements have been delivered. The annual report we launched earlier this year shows the transformative effect it has had: a 102% increase in park and stride; a 36% increase in cycling, a 6% increase in walking and a 17% decrease in car use. I look forward to seeing the next 105 schools progress through the programme and experience these positive outcomes.”
Minister of State Sean Canney said: “The way we move around our towns and cities needs to change and our reliance on private car use, particularly for our shorter journeys, must decrease. At its core, this programme is about making school environments safer by reducing traffic speeds and improving how children interact with the road. The default choice of many is to travel to work or school by car, but with the provision of infrastructure through the Safe Routes to School Programme, walking, wheeling and cycling should become a viable option for much of the school community and will give people the option to leave the car at home.”
Minister of State Emer Higgins said: “The Government is committed to expanding our Active Travel and Greenway infrastructure network through the provision of walking and cycling facilities in our cities, towns, villages and rural areas. This commitment was demonstrated in the recent Budget, with €360 million allocated for active travel and greenways in 2026. I welcome the announcement of the latest Round of schools for inclusion in the Safe Routes to School Programme, which has committed to including at least one special school in all forthcoming Rounds of the Programme under the recent National Human Strategy for Disabled People. This will encourage inclusive, safe and sustainable transport for young people of all abilities across the country.”
Anne Shaw, Chief Executive Officer for the NTA said: “The schools where we have already put safety measures in place are reporting a significant increase in the number of children walking or cycling to school. With the announcement of a further 105 schools actively taking part, this trend is set to grow. Establishing healthier travel habits at a younger age will, for many, continue into adulthood and the NTA is delighted to be supporting this initiative as it goes from strength to strength.”
