Sorca Clarke
Question:200. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the capital and current funding allocated to the safe routes to school programmes in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14120/24]
View answerTuesday, 9 April 2024
Questions (200, 201)
Sorca Clarke
Question:201. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of the funding allocated to the safe routes to school programme that has been expended for the purposes of years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024. [14121/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting, and cycling to primary and post-primary schools, and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority's Active Travel Infrastructure Programme and An Taisce's Green Schools Team is responsible for its co-ordination.
Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. While 275 schools have been selected for Rounds 1 and 2 of the Programme, all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted, and, if not selected in the first two Rounds, will be selected for forthcoming Rounds. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
Noting the role of the NTA in the funding of the Programme, I have referred your specific question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 200.