Calls for renewed investment in the Safe Routes to School Programme in Kildare

Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin, has called for renewed investment and expansion of the Safe Routes to School Programme, following the positive results highlighted in the newly published 2024 Annual Report.

Senator O’Loughlin said, “Encouraging children to take active routes to school is more important now than ever. As a former teacher, I saw first-hand the difference. Children who walked or cycled to school were more alert, engaged, and ready to learn. The government must continue to support and promote this shift, and that’s why the Safe Routes to School Programme has been such a success so far.”

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“In 2025, €100,000 was allocated to Patrician Primary and St. Conleth’s in Newbridge, along with €20,000 for Kilkea National School. The report shows these schemes have been a great success nationwide — now it’s time to build on that success and expand these initiatives further. I want to see more schools in Kildare being able to avail of this scheme.”

The 2024 report shows significant progress:

• 412 schools are currently active in the programme.

• Nearly 15% of participating schools are located on higher-speed rural roads (80 km/h or 100 km/h).

• Schools report a 17% drop in car journeys, as more students walk, cycle, scoot, use ‘park and stride,’ or take public transport.

• Park and stride journeys increased by 102%.

• Cycling rose by 36%, and walking increased by 6%.

The programme’s key aims include: enhancing access and safety at school entrances through front-of-school treatments, accelerating delivery of walking, cycling, and wheeling infrastructure on key routes, and expanding cycle and scooter parking at schools.

Senator O’Loughlin added: “Initiatives like this must be expanded so more children can benefit from safer, healthier ways to get to school. About a quarter of schools nationwide applied to the programme, and all who applied will eventually be included on a rolling basis, meaning there is no need to reapply. While there are no current plans for a new call for applications, Active Travel funding continues to support school access improvements through other projects.

“The Safe Routes to School Programme shows how small, local actions can make a big difference safer routes, less congestion, and healthier, more focused students. I’m especially glad to see strong demand and successful projects in schools on high-speed rural roads, where infrastructure challenges can deter active travel. This programme is helping to change that.”