Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
280. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Safer Routes to Schools Programme in Kilkenny for 2023,2024,2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5484/26]
View answerThe 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 including, in some cases, School Zones.
These projects 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 (NTA) 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 932 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. Schools are processed in tranches with 4 rounds having been announced to date. 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 the rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.
Following the announcement of Round 4 of the SRTS Programme in December 2025, 15 schools in Kilkenny County Council are now active in the Programme, with works at 5 of these schools having been completed. The remaining schools are at various levels of design and development.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
