Chris Andrews
Ceist:220 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport and the Marine when the safe routes programme will be implemented; and if a school (details supplied) will be eligible for this scheme. [23067/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 10 October 2007
Ceisteanna (151)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department has provided funding to the Dublin Transportation Office who initiated the Safer Routes to School project in 2000, with 6 pilot schemes being implemented. The objectives of the Green Schools Initiative are to raise awareness of sustainable travel and transport, increase the number of children who walk and cycle, increase the number of families who ‘park and stride' or ‘carpool', improve safety on the school run by promoting safe practices and awareness of hazards, reduce school-related congestion, and improve physical health and fitness. The programme was extended and currently has 29 schools with a combined student population of approximately 10,400 with 545 teachers. Results from the initiative show that, of journeys to school, between March and June 2006, walking increased by 7% to 40%, and car use decreased by 8% to 46%, while, on the journey from school, walking increased by 4% from 37% to 41% and car use fell by 9%. A further roll-out of the programme is being considered but the actual selection of schools is a matter for the DTO.