21 Jun ‘SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL’ PROJECTS TO PROGRESS IN MAYO SCHOOLS
Seven Mayo schools have today been notified that they have been selected for inclusion in the first round of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme to support walking and cycling infrastructure for primary and post-primary schools” said Fine Gael spokesperson on tourism and sport, Alan Dillon.
The scheme was announced in March of this year, with 932 schools (representing almost one in four schools in the state) expressing interest and 170 been selected for inclusion.
- Brackloon National School, Westport
- Carn National School, Ballina
- Cong National School, Cong
- Davitt College, Castlebar
- Scoil Gaelscoil Raifteirí, Castlebar
- Scoil Iosa, Ballina
- Colmans College, Claremorris
“The schools selected were assessed against a range of criteria including school type, location and the school’s commitment to sustainable travel”
Schools that have applied this year and who have not been included in the first round of funding will not be required to reapply as they will come into the programme on a rolling basis. There will be no additional call for schools to join the SRTS programme at this time.
The programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is supported by the Department of Education. An Taisce’s Green-Schools is co-ordinating the programme, while funding will be made available to local authorities which will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
“With this initiative, the NTA, along with Green-Schools and Mayo County Council, intend to work with school communities throughout the county and together act to remove the barriers to walking/scooting and cycling to school which children currently face, finding new ways to make the daily journey to school for every student fun, active and safe.” Said Deputy Dillon.
“The Safe Routes to School programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing walking and cycling facilities.”
“The improvements to the school commute range from an upgraded footpath or new cycle lane to a complete reworking of the road outside a school’s entrance. Cycle and scooter parking will be provided to most schools that are part of the programme.”
“My hope is that in time, through continued investment and cooperation arising from the Safe Routes to School programme, every student in every village, town and community, can safely travel to and from school be it by foot, e-scooter or bike.” Concluded Deputy Dillon.