Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021
118. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if there are grants available to schools for the purpose of building storage facilities for scooters and bicycles; and if so, the way schools can apply for same. [50183/21]
View answerThe use of bicycles is encouraged and secure and covered cycle parking facilities are provided as part of major new builds and refurbishment projects, and in accordance with Planning Permission Conditions.
Where no major project is being undertaken, the relevant mechanisms for addressing the type of issues raised by the Deputy are the Minor Works Grant for small-scale works or the Summer Works Scheme for medium to larger works.
The Summer Works Scheme operates on a multi-annual basis and was last open for applications in 2020.
My Department in conjunction with the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD launched a new initiative called Safe Routes to School on the 18th March 2021. This will support active travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country.
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 walking and cycling facilities. The improvements to the school commute could range from cycle parking to an upgraded footpath or new cycle lane to a complete reworking of a school’s entrance.
