Safe Routes to School Programme Benefitting Communities Across Ireland
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 17 June 2025
- Last updated on: 17 June 2025
Ministers for Transport have welcomed the positive outcomes of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme. The recently published 2024 Annual Report shows that:
- 412 schools are currently active in the programme;
- Almost 15% of schools that applied to the programme are located on ‘higher speed rural roads’, where speed limits of 80km/h or 100 km/h were in place;
- Schools in the programme report a 102% increase in park and stride, 36% increase in cycling, 6% increase in walking and a 17% decrease in car use.
“The Safe Routes to School programme is a great example of how small, local projects can make a big difference. Supporting students to walk, cycle, scoot or take public transport to school benefits communities by making routes to school safer, and relieving local traffic congestion. This report shows it also has great benefits for students themselves, with teachers reporting that they arrive to school more alert and ready to learn. Congratulations to all involved.”
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien
“I am delighted to see the impact the Safe Routes to School programme is making. I am particularly pleased to see so much demand and so many successful projects in schools that are located on higher-speed rural roads. Students in rural areas often live close to their schools, but find the lack of infrastructure makes walking, scooting or cycling there a challenge. This programme helps address these challenges and gives students safer, healthier options for travel.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Seán Canney
“It’s wonderful to hear from students and teachers that the Safe Routes to School programme is making such a difference to them, by encouraging active travel among young people and making schools more accessible. Both steps are hugely important, for our climate and for our communities.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer
All primary and secondary schools were invited to express interest in the programme, and about a quarter of all schools in the country did so. The nature of the SRTS programme is that all schools who initially applied will eventually enter the programme on a rolling basis and there will be no need to reapply.
While there are currently no plans for an additional call for the programme, funding for Active Travel infrastructure in schools is available in other ways. In fact, all Department of Transport Active Travel funding looks to improve links to schools where possible. In some cases, schools outside the SRTS Programme are included in wider Active Travel projects if they are in the vicinity of these works.
For more information and to view the Annual Report, visit https://saferoutestoschool.ie//resources-library/ or https://www.nationaltransport.ie/planning-and-investment/transport-investment/active-travel-investment-programme/safe-routes-to-school-srts-programme-active-travel/