Call for expansion of Safe Routes to School scheme

Children who walk or cycle to school are more alert, engaged and ready to learn, according to Kildare South-based Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, writes Brian Byrne. She made the comment in a call for renewed investment and expansion of the Safe Routes to School programme.

In a statement following the publication of the 2024 Annual Report from the programme, she said the scheme has been a great success nationwide and now needs to be expanded further. Piloted in an initial 412 schools across the country, providing cycling and walking infrastructure on routes to schools and initiatives like expanding cycle and scooter parking at schools make a big difference. Participating schools have reported an average of 17 percent drop in car journeys, with cycling to school increased by 36 percent and walking by 6 percent.

For 2025, two Newbridge schools were allocated €100,000 and Kilkea NS €20,000, and the Senator wants to see more County Kildare schools in the programme.

Safe Routes to School is an initiative of the Department of Transport and supported by the Department of Education. It is operated by An Taisce in partnership with the National Transport Authority and local authorities.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy