Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the number of schools awarded funding under the safe routes to school programme fell from 170 in round 1 to 108 in round 2; the total funding awarded in round 1 and round 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63240/22]
View answerIn March 2021, I launched the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme which will support Active Travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities. This will help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.
931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. As the Deputy notes, 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme with a further 108 schools recently selected for Round 2. The Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is supported by the Department of Education. An Taisce’s Green-Schools is coordinating the programme, while funding will be made available to local authorities who will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
It should be noted that, given the nature of the programme, all 931 schools who applied will enter the programme on a rolling basis and there will be no requirement for those schools to reapply. The schools selected were assessed against a range of criteria including school type, location and the school’s commitment to sustainable travel.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency who should be able to provide more information in relation to the selection process and the rationale behind the number of schools included in each round. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
