Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
175. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport when the application process will open for the Safe Routes to Schools Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4698/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round 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.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.
