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Departmental Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Questions (106)

Dara Calleary

Question:

106. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the status of an application for inclusion on the safe routes to school scheme by a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42023/21]

View answer

Written answers

In March, I was delighted to launch the Safe Routes to School Programme which will support Active Travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country.

As the Deputy is likely aware, the Safe Routes to School Programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.

All schools were eligible to apply to the programme and information was circulated from the Departments of Education and Transport to schools nationwide. I am delighted to say that by the deadline of 16th April, 932 applications had been received from schools in every county in Ireland.

You may be aware that 170 schools were notified on 21 June that they have been selected for inclusion in the first round of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme. The schools initially selected were assessed against a range of criteria including school type, location and the school’s commitment to sustainable travel.

It is my understanding that S.N. Dhumha Thuama was not included in the first round of funding; however if they submitted an expression of interest ahead of the deadline, they will not be required to reapply as all schools which applied will come into the programme on a rolling basis.

The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority and An Taisce's Green-Schools is co-ordinating the programme. Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have forwarded your correspondence to them for a more detailed reply in relation to S.N. Dhumha Thuama's application.

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