7 additional Fingal schools receive Safe Routes to School Funding

SR2S

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, Minister of State James Lawless and the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced that an additional 7 Fingal schools will benefit from Round 3 of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme.

The SRTS Programme, which launched in 2021, provides local authorities with targeted funding to provide safer front of school environments and improved walking and cycling infrastructure around schools. Following an announcement on 08 November 2024, an additional 141 schools across the country will now benefit from the third round of SRTS funding. Fingal County Council is delighted to have 7 of our schools included. These schools will join a list of 14 others in Fingal for which funding has been received to date.

The aim of the SRTS Programme is to improve safety at the school gate by providing ‘front of school’ treatments to alleviate congestion and improve access. This is achieved by improving walking and cycling infrastructure and cycle parking facilities, thereby promoting an increased number of students to cycle to school.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said ‘’I am pleased to hear that 7 additional Fingal schools will benefit from the Safe Routes to School funding. The infrastructural improvements provided by this programme play a crucial role in enhancing safety around the school zone. When children feel safe on their way to and from school, they are more relaxed, happier and have a more positive and productive day.’’

The third round of funding will extend ‘School Zone’ improvements to more schools. These improvements include features such as pencil shaped bollards, colourful road markings, improved footpaths, and pedestrian crossings. These features encourage active travel among students.

7 Fingal schools were announced for round 3 funding:

  • Broadmeadow Community National School, Swords
  • Donabate Portrane Educate Together National School
  • Holywell Educate Together National School, Swords
  • Malahide/Portmarnock Educate Together National School
  • Scoil Mhuire Junior, Blanchardstown
  • Scoil Thomáis, Blanchardstown
  • St Nicholas of Myra National School, Kinsealy

David Storey, Director for Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport, stated ‘Fingal County Council is delighted to hear this announcement and look forward to seeing the improvements. This programme encourages active travel and promotes healthy habits. Children are more likely to walk or bike to school if their routes are safe. Safe commutes instil important habits regarding safety and awareness that children carry into adulthood.’’

To keep up to date on Safe Routes to School initiatives, visit https://www.fingal.ie/activetravel/srts