Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
197. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport to outline the proportion of the funding allocated to the safe routes to school programme that has been expended for the purposes of improving walking and cycling infrastructure in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and to provide a breakdown of the projects funded to date and the nature of works carried out. [15977/24]
View answerThe 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 including, in some cases, School Zones. These projects 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 (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.
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. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in Rounds 1 and 2 will be selected for forthcoming rounds. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme is expected to be announced later this year.
Given the role of the NTA in the administration of this Programme, I have referred your question in relation to Programme expenditure to that agency who should be able to provide more detail on this matter. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
