Four schools in County Louth are set to benefit from new funding under the Safe Routes to School programme, aimed at improving safety and encouraging walking and cycling for students.
The announcement was welcomed by Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly, who said the programme demonstrates a clear commitment to safer school journeys across the county. She said: “Fine Gael made Safe Routes to School a priority in Government, and today’s announcement shows that commitment in action. With over €50 million invested nationally to date, we are ensuring safer journeys in Louth.”
The schools included in this latest round of funding are Dromiskin Mixed School, Marymount National School, Scoil Mhuire Na nGael and Tallanstown National School.
The funding will support a range of safety and accessibility improvements in the areas around the schools. These measures include enhanced school zones with features such as pencil shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths and improved pedestrian crossings. The works are designed to slow traffic, improve road awareness and make it safer and more appealing for children to walk or cycle to school.
The Safe Routes to School programme also supports wider objectives around public health, reduced traffic congestion and climate action by encouraging active travel for at least part of the school journey.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer, said the programme continues to make strong progress nationwide, with further investment planned for 2026. He highlighted the long term benefits of safer routes, healthier lifestyles and lower emissions, noting that improved infrastructure makes walking and cycling a more realistic option for many families.
Since the programme began in 2021, it has expanded significantly, with 526 schools now actively involved across the country and around €50 million invested to date. Projects are at various stages of delivery, with many already completed or under construction following public consultation.
The programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, with An Taisce coordinating delivery in partnership with local authorities and school communities. Engagement with parents, schools and residents remains central to ensuring that measures reflect local needs and gain broad community support.
This latest round also includes schools on higher speed rural roads, where tailored safety measures such as additional signage and road markings are being introduced to encourage lower vehicle speeds and improve safety for children and families.
