Councillor James Byrne has written to all school principals in the Drogheda area encouraging them to get their schools involved in a new initiative that is designed to get students getting to and from school under their own steam.
The Safe Routes to School Programme which was launched yesterday by Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD, is designed to encourage as many pupils and students as possible in primary and post-primary schools to walk and cycle.
The programme, which is the next phase in the Government’s investment in active travel, will receive funding from the Programme for Government, to support walking/scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools. Over €15 million is to be allocated to the Safe Routes to School Programme in 2021.
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 could range from an upgraded footpath or new cycle lane to a complete reworking of a school’s entrance.
“I very much welcome this initiative and I would encourage all schools to get involved” Councillor Byrne said. “It has three aims:
- To accelerate the delivery of walking/scooting and cycling infrastructure on key access routes to schools.
- To provide “front of school” treatments which will enhance access to your school grounds.
- To expand the amount of bike parking available at schools.
The Department of Transport will be in contact with schools in due course and I would encourage all schools to get involved.
“I have written to all school principals in the area to highlight this fantastic initiative. It could complement the Council’s efforts to roll out proper cycling infrastructure over the coming years if schools apply successfully.
For more information on the scheme see: https://greenschoolsireland.org/saferoutestoschool/
