Safer walking and cycling routes are to be created for five Donegal schools under a new phase of a national programme.
Carndonagh Community School, Creeslough National School, Scoil Aodh Rua agus Nuala Donegal Town, Scoil Mhuire Creeslough and St Patrick’s Boys’ School Carndonagh have been selected for round two of the Safe Routes to School Programme.
The programme aims to alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing improvements to walking and cycling facilities. The launch of the second round of the programme today will see over 37,000 students across Ireland benefit from safer infrastructure and encourage them to cycle, walk and wheel to school.
Minister Charlie McConalogue said “The Safe Routes to School Programme has improved access to schools for students right around the country. The inclusion of five Donegal schools in Round 2 is great news and will benefit students in those schools. Thanks to all involved.”
The programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is supported by the Department of Education. An Taisce’s Green-Schools is co-ordinating the programme, while funding will be made available to local authorities which will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure. €20m has been allocated for projects included in Round 2 with the funds coming from each local authority’s annual allocation for Active Travel works.