Two Cork Schools to Benefit from Safe Routes to School Funding
Two Cork schools to receive Safe Routes to School funding for improved pedestrian safety and active travel infrastructure around campuses.
Ballyvongane National School and Scoil Réidh na nDoirí in Cork North West are set to receive funding through the national Safe Routes to School Programme, which has invested over €50 million across Ireland since its 2021 launch.
The Safe Routes to School Programme, established by Fine Gael in Government, aims to make journeys safer for students while promoting active travel and reducing car congestion around schools. The initiative is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, with An Taisce's Education and Community Action Team coordinating the programme.
Senator Eileen Lynch said:
"Fine Gael made Safe Routes to School a priority in Government, and today's announcement shows that commitment in action. With over €50m invested nationally to date we are ensuring safer journeys in County Cork."
The improvements planned for participating schools include distinctive school zone features such as pencil-shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths, and enhanced pedestrian crossings. These measures are designed to slow traffic speeds and create safer environments for students walking and cycling to school.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer said:
"I am delighted to see the Safe Routes to School Programme continuing to advance at pace. This nationwide investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, estimated at around €15-20 million for 2026, strengthens the safety of our students and also encourages lifelong habits of sustainable travel. Better health, safer journeys, lower emissions, and reduced congestion are just some of the benefits."
Minister Buttimer added: "At its core, this programme is about making school environments safer by reducing traffic speeds and improving how children interact with the road. The default choice of many is to travel to work or school by car, but with the provision of infrastructure through the Safe Routes to School Programme, walking and cycling should become a viable option for many."
Since launching in 2021, the programme has grown significantly, with 526 schools now actively participating. Substantial progress has been made across every city and county in Ireland, with 136 school zones completed, 45 under construction, and 46 at advanced design stages following public consultation.
The programme works closely with school communities, parents, and local authorities to ensure proposed measures reflect local needs and gain broad community support. Nearly half of participating schools have reached an advanced implementation stage.
Round 4 of the programme includes 12 schools located on higher-speed rural roads, which will benefit from tailored measures such as prominent signage and road markings to alert motorists and encourage lower speeds. This follows successful trials in Galway, Roscommon, and Donegal that recorded speed reductions near participating schools.
When the programme launched in 2021, 932 schools applied, representing nearly a quarter of all schools nationally. More than half have already been included in the active programme, with remaining schools expected to join on a rolling basis in future rounds.
