Seven local educational facilities are the latest to join the nationwide Safe Routes to School programme.
They’re among a further 83 across the country to sign up, bringing the total number of participating outlets to 609 aiming to create safer and more attractive conditions for children and families to walk or wheel to school.
Funded by the Department of Transport through the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme, it’s coordinated by the Safe Routes to School Team at An Taisce and works in partnership with all 31 local authorities, schools and local communities.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, with Ministers of State Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer and officials from the National Transport Authority (NTA) detailed the latest additions in receipt of funding which includes five in Kilkenny; Bunscoil McAuley Rice in Callan, Church Hill NS in Cuffesgrange, Grennan College in Thomastown, SN Tobair Eoin Baisde/ Johnswell NS and St. Beacon’s NS in Mullinavat with two additions in Carlow being Baile an Chuilinn (Ballinkillen) NS and Carlow Educate Together NS.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, says; “I am delighted to officially launch the next round of the Safe Routes to School Programme. The inclusion of a further 83 schools in Round 5 means that over 600 schools are now actively participating in the Programme. Safe Routes to School is delivering real benefits for communities by enabling more children to walk, wheel and cycle to school safely, reducing traffic congestion and helping to create healthier, more sustainable communities for future generations.
“Interventions under the Safe Routes to School Programme are already having an impact with the most recent census showing the first increase in children walking to school in a generation. I look forward to building on this momentum as the Programme continues to grow and support safer, more active journeys to more schools across Ireland.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney commented; “The key to encouraging more children to walk, wheel and cycle to school is ensuring that they can do so safely. The Safe Routes to School Programme has already delivered physical improvements like cycle paths, permeability links and School Streets to almost 200 schools, helping to create safer and more attractive routes for children and their families. I look forward to seeing the projects at the 83 additional schools announced today come to fruition in the years ahead.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer added; “It is wonderful to see that Safe Routes to School projects have been completed at almost 200 schools to date. It is heartening to see the enthusiasm for delivery from students, parents, teachers and the wider community alike who recognise the importance of keeping our schoolchildren safe, healthy and active in their day-to-day journeys. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of the SRTS teams in the NTA and An Taisce as well as the Local Authority Active Travel teams in continuously rolling out these projects nationwide.”
Anne Shaw, CEO, National Transport Authority, noted; “The continued expansion of the Safe Routes to School Programme is helping to transform the daily journey to school for children, families and communities across Ireland. By creating safer, more accessible and more welcoming streets around schools, we are making it easier for children to walk, wheel and cycle while giving parents greater confidence in how their children travel. The positive changes we are seeing go far beyond the school gate, helping to build healthier habits, reduce traffic congestion and create stronger, more connected communities. With over 600 schools now participating, the programme is making a meaningful difference in towns, villages and cities nationwide, and we look forward to supporting even more school communities in the years ahead.”
Thomas Connell, Program Manager, Safe Routes to Schools, outlined; “The strength of the Safe Routes to School Programme relies on direct collaboration between An Taisce, the National Transport Authority, local authorities, and participating schools nationwide. As we welcome a new group of schools into Round 5, we continue working alongside those currently progressing through delivery phases and celebrate the schools that have already completed their journey with us. Together with our delivery partners, we remain focused on supporting every participating school to make active travel a safe and practical daily choice.”
