Two additional schools in Donegal are to benefit from the Government’s Safe Routes to School Programme.
The Programme has already been successfully trialled in Donegal, as well as Galway and Roscommon.
Twelve schools in Donegal have already benefitted from the scheme, which sees additional roads funding being given to the areas around schools to make them safer for kids and parents to walk and cycle to.
The third phase of the programme focuses on what the National Transport Authority calls “Higher Speed Rural Roads”, providing additional signage and warning for drivers approaching a rural school zone through adding additional signage and road markings.
Kilbarron NS and Scoil Naomh Padraig, Dumfries are the two Donegal schools that have been selected for phase three of the programme.
Speaking at the launch event for phase three, 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.”
“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. 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.”
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.
“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.”
