Safe Routes to School Programme Expands to More Than 600 Schools Nationwide
The National Transport Authority (NTA), together with the Department of Transport, An Taisce and local authorities, has announced a further 83 schools will join the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme as part of Round 5.
With schools from every county represented, the latest expansion brings the total number of participating schools to 609, meaning almost two-thirds of the 932 schools that originally applied are now being actively supported in creating safer and more attractive conditions for children and families walking, wheeling and cycling to school.
Since its launch in 2021, the Safe Routes to School Programme has grown into one of Ireland’s most ambitious active travel initiatives, helping to create safer and more accessible school environments through measures such as School Zones, School Streets, improved pedestrian crossings, traffic calming and enhanced cycling facilities.
Safe Routes to School Programme Driving Increases in Walking, Cycling and Scooting
Surveys from schools where Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements have been completed, representing almost 1,700 students nationwide, demonstrate significant positive changes in travel behaviour:
- Cycling to school has increased by almost 49%
- Walking has increased by 8%
- Scooting has increased by 17.5%
- Public transport use has increased by almost 16%
- Car use has decreased by more than 10%
Safe Routes to School Programme Progress
The programme continues to progress nationwide, with:
- 189 school zones completed
- 42 projects under construction
- 83 projects at pre-construction design stage
- 19 projects at public consultation stage
- 110 projects at preliminary design stage
- 81 projects at options development stage
Cycle parking for 665 schools
In addition, 665 schools have received cycle parking through the programme since 2021.
Testimonials
“The Safe Routes to School Programme has had a very positive impact at Scoil Maelruain Senior over the past three years. It has improved safety outside the school gate and helped create a safer, calmer environment for pupils, families and staff. Feedback from parents and the wider school community has been for the very most part extremely positive. We have seen an increase in pupils walking, cycling and scooting to school, supporting healthier and more sustainable journeys” by Padraic Moore, Principal, Scoil Maelruain Senior, South Dublin.
“The new infrastructure at Murroe National School has transformed the school approach, making it safer and more accessible for pupils and families. We have noticed an increase in active travel, with more children choosing to walk or cycle to school, and parents have been extremely supportive of the improvements. The benefits extend beyond the school gates, enhancing the experience of the wider community and encouraging healthier, more sustainable travel habits.” said Principal Anthony Sharkey, Scoil Mhuire, Murroe, Limerick.
“Participation in the Safe Routes to School programme has yielded great benefits to St Kevin’s NS. We now have more safe access routes to our school which has made a big impact on the number of children opting to walk, scoot and cycle to school. The provision of quality infrastructure and more storage space has been really positive for our school community.” stated Paul O’Dwyer, Principal, St. Kevin’s N.S. Greystones Wicklow.
Newly selected Round 5 schools
The newly selected Round 5 schools will now begin working with local authorities and Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Officers to identify measures tailored to local needs, supporting safer, healthier and more sustainable journeys to school for children and families across Ireland.
To find out more about the Safe Routes to School process, watch the lifecycle of a school scheme
