Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
186. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the reason councils are being forced to adhere exactly to the safe routes to school programme manual and if local council engineers can be empowered to use discretion on a case-by-case basis. [11428/24]
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. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority 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. 170 schools were notified on 21st June 2021 that they were selected for inclusion in the first round of the SRTS Programme with 1 school subsequently withdrawing, 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.
Both the NTA and An Taisce have undertaken significant work in developing design guidance for Safe Routes to School projects which aim to maximise the safety of students, improve the accessibility to school grounds for pedestrians and cyclists and create a welcoming aesthetic outside schools through the creation of School Zones, where possible. Noting the role of the NTA in the programme, I have referred your question relating to adherence to the Safe Routes to School Manual to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
