Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
179. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the safe routes to school scheme; when it is expected to reopen; the average timeline between application and implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47191/26]
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. Over half of the schools who applied initially are either active in the programme or have had projects completed. 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. However, It should be noted that 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.
With regards to the average timeline between application and implementation of projects, noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for response. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
