Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
320. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to the Safe Routes to School programme in 2026; the number of projects to be delivered in 2026 with this funding; the cost of increasing funding by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45672/26]
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 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. 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.
Given the pipeline of projects due for completion, there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme currently. It should however be noted that because a school is not currently in the SRTS Programme, it does not mean that it will not receive any new or improved Active Travel infrastructure. While there are no plans for an additional call for schools to join the programme currently, funding for Active Travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the Safe Routes to Schools Programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works.
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.
