Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
191. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport to clarify the comments made in Dáil Éireann regarding the School Street Programme funding delivered through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative still being in place while local authorities were told this funding closed around 2022 or 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33279/26]
View answer192. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport the number of schools that are currently using the School Street Programme delivered through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative [33280/26]
View answer193. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of schools that have the School Street Programme funding delivered through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative ; the number of schools that are in the pipeline for it; and in what timeframe could he expect all schools to have the programme [33281/26]
View answer194. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered a roll out of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative to all schools rather than the onerous grant application; and if he has considered the expansion to secondary schools. [33282/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191, 192, 193 and 194 together.
The 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 the Department of Transport 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 four rounds having been announced to date. 525 schools are now active in the programme or have had projects completed.
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 initial rounds will be selected at a later date with no requirement to apply again. Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently.
Noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed answer, particularly around the School Streets projects. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
