On the day that the general election is being called, funding has been announced for an additional 141 schools to benefit from funding from round three of the Safe Routes to School Programme.
The Safe Routes to School Programme mainly includes “front-of-school” treatments, while some projects include providing walking/cycling route upgrades around or to schools. The projects tend to cost around €50,000 to €380,000.
The full list of school projects being funded can be found at nationaltransport.ie (PDF).
The programme is responsible for the rollout of ‘School Zones’ using recognisable design features, including pencil-shaped bollards, colourful road markings, improved footpaths and pedestrian crossings aimed at slowing motorists down and stopping dangerous parking around schools.
This new phase will bring the number of schools which have benefited to 414. Although funding has been far outstripped by demand with 932 schools, nearly a quarter of all schools nationally, applying for the first round.
IrishCycle.com reported last year that the Safe Routes to School programme remains closed to new applications.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), which allocates the funding to councils, said that phase three will be the first to include ‘Higher Speed Rural Roads’, with 67 of the 141 schools announced today being in this category.
The NTA said that the design approach at these schools will be “different from the standard ‘School Zone’ approach, with the focus being on alerting motorists to the presence of schools and encouraging lower speeds and more attentive driving.”
The NTA said: “This will be achieved through signage and road markings at the front of the school. The inclusion of schools on Higher Speed Rural Roads follows successful trials earlier this year in Galway, Roscommon and Donegal, in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Local Authorities, which saw a significant reduction in speed in the vicinity of the trial schools.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said: “It has been so encouraging to see the growing number of young people cycling and walking to school because of the Safe Routes to School projects that the NTA has helped deliver with our partner Local Authorities. We’re committed to overseeing the delivery of new projects as we announce the third round of the programme and ensuring that its positive impact is felt by schools in every corner of the country. That is why there is such a strong focus on rural schools this year.”
She added: “We will continue our strong close partnership with The Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce which co-ordinates both the Green-Schools and Safe Routes to School programmes, and with local authorities throughout the country. Seeing more young people using sustainable travel options daily is truly encouraging, and with each new round of projects, we’re making active travel a safer choice for communities.”
The new phase of the project was launched by Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State James Lawless.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Eamon Ryan said: “When I went to primary school, most children – including myself – walked to and from school every day. Of course, our roads have changed a lot since then, but nevertheless, within the environment we live in today, I think it is just as important that children today can also be allowed to get into and out of their schools safely.
“There is another reason why I think this is such a vital project. Last year I visited a school in Galway and the kids there told me that they loved their safe route to school because it made them feel more relaxed and happier when they got into school,” he said.
He added: “We have, I hope, made many schools happier places so far and this new round of funding will mean that we can make the environment around a further 141 schools calmer and safer, in particular those on very busy roads. Making our children happier and calmer is always a great reason to take action, and I look forward to this programme going from strength to strength.”
Minister of State James Lawless said: “Through this latest announcement, thousands more children across Ireland will benefit from safer school routes. I’m thrilled to see this initiative reaching even more communities across the country. This programme is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about creating a safer, healthier, and more connected future for our children.”
He added: “The inclusion, for the first time, of 67 schools on Higher Speed Rural Roads is particularly encouraging and, I hope, will lead to lower speeds and improved driving habits outside these schools.”