Over €1m for Safe routes to school programme in Louth

The safe routes to school programme is giving students safer and healthier options for getting to school in Louth, said Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly.

Deputy Butterly said €1,040,000 has been allocated for 11 schools in Louth under this scheme.

“It’s great to see such high demand for this scheme in Louth. This scheme is not only good for students, but also good for the environment," she said.

“The scheme funds small and large-scale projects like providing “front of school” treatments to enhance access to the school grounds, accelerating delivery of walking, cycling, and wheeling infrastructure on key access routes to schools, and expanding the amount of cycle and scooter parking available at schools.

“Across the country 412 schools are currently active in the programme, with 11 of these in Louth.

“We’re seeing the success of this programme, with schools in the programme reporting a 17% reduction in journeys to school by car, with students shifting their journeys to walking, cycling, or taking public transport instead.

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“It’s so important that we are supporting students to walk, cycle, scoot or take public transport to school which makes routes to school safer and helps with relieving local traffic congestion.”

“I’ve been engaging with and supporting schools across the County and sharing their concerns in relation to safer routes. I am delighted 11 schools have been allocated funding through the programme. I will continue to ensure that more and more schools in Louth receive this necessary funding” concluded Butterly.