Active Travel Safe Routes to School launches at two national schools in Waterford

Following significant improvements made through the Active Travel Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme, two national schools in Waterford have now seen more and more children choosing sustainable travel options. 

The SRTS programme aims to promote walking and cycling as safe and sustainable travel options for school-goers. It has been highly successful in encouraging healthier lifestyles among pupils at St Saviour’s National School in Ballybeg and Waterford Educate Together National School in Carrickphierish.

At the official launch of the scheme on Friday, March 28, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy, commented, “It’s truly wonderful to see so many children opting to walk and cycle to school following these improvements.”

The SRTS programme, an initiative of the Department of Transport and supported by the Department of Education, is operated by An Taisce in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Active Travel Department in Waterford City and County Council at a local level.

Michael Murphy, Active Travel Senior Engineer, Waterford City and County Council, emphasised the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces around schools.

“When we improve the environment around schools, it naturally encourages children to walk and cycle, fostering healthier habits and safer communities,” Mr. Murphy said.

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Patrick Pender, Principal at Waterford Educate Together National School, expressed his strong support for the initiative, emphasising its success in improving safety outside the school.

Mr Pender said, “The reduction in cars around our school, combined with safer road crossings and junction improvements, has made a noticeable difference in creating a safer and more accessible environment for our pupils and their families. These changes are a welcome step towards making active travel a more viable and attractive option for children, encouraging more of them to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

“As these improvements take effect, we are excited to see initiatives, such as the Walking Bus, getting underway. This provides children with a structured and safe way to walk to school, fostering independence, promoting a healthier lifestyle, and strengthening the sense of community among those who travel together. Supporting active travel is a priority for us, and we look forward to building on this progress in the months ahead,” he added.

Ciara Kavanagh, Principal at St Saviour’s National School, said the improvements have had a positive impact on the community.

“While many of our pupils from the Ballybeg area have always walked to school, the new safety measures have made it safer and more accessible for everyone. We’ve noticed more children walking and cycling, which means they’re getting active, socialising before classes, and starting the day healthier and more energised,” Ms. Kavanagh said.

Finola O’Driscoll, Senior Programme Manager for Active Travel Investment in the NTA, said they look forward to empowering more Waterford communities in their active travel journeys.

“Many of the children who attend these schools live in the immediate area and will now have a safer and more positive front of school experience due to reduced traffic congestion. Credit to those at St Saviour’s National School in Ballybeg and Waterford Educate Together National School in Carrickphierish for recognising the importance of ensuring the safety of the children coming to and from school,” Ms O’Driscoll concluded.