St Mary’s NS are delighted to be included in the next round of the Safe Routes to School Programme. The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme is designed to encourage as many pupils and students as possible in primary and post-primary schools to walk, cycle, and wheel to school. The programme 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 schools.
- To expand the amount of bicycle and scooter parking available at schools.
he programme is coordinated by the SRTS Team at An Taisce, in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and local authorities. The programme is an initiative of the Department of Transport, is supported by the Department of Education and forms part of the National Development Plan (2021-2030). In 2022 the programme was identified as a Pathfinder Programme of projects (2022-2025) under the National Sustainable Mobility Policy. The SRTS programme emerged from the legacy of efforts undertaken by Green-Schools in Ireland over the course of more than a decade, specifically focusing on the Travel theme.
Active Travel in Limerick City and County Council looks forward to working with these schools to deliver further schemes that prioritise safety, sustainability, and active travel.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said:
“I welcome the continued roll-out of the really successful Safe Routes to School programme which is creating safer, more vibrant communities – giving our children a new independence earlier in life and sustainable travel habits that many will carry on with them into adulthood. With continued government support, we will keep investing in infrastructure that makes walking, wheeling, and cycling the natural choice for everyday journeys.”
Priomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Councillor Catherine Slattery, said:
“Parents across Limerick have long been raising concerns about safety at school gates. These schemes respond directly to those concerns, introducing safety improvements that make walking to school safer and more accessible. The reduction in speeding around the school in Athea is a great result.”
Director of Services for Transportation and Mobility, Patricia Liddy, added:
“Thirteen Safe Routes to School projects have been delivered across Limerick, including traffic calming, improved crossings, and School Zone treatments. The next step is to measure the wider benefits through post-works surveys, ensuring that every scheme continues to meet the needs of pupils, parents and the residents.”
The project will transform the entrance to the school on the Island Road, providing a safer and more accessible pedestrian crossing. The school fully supports the project and welcome it in conjuction with the Fosse project adjacent to the crossing. These transformational projects will totally rejuvenate the school’s front facade.
