Safe Routes programme continues at pace in Cork
The next round of schools to benefit from the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme has been announced with schools across Cork city and county included.
105 additional schools covering every county across the country will now be brought into the SRTS programme to begin delivering safer environments for children as they walk, wheel or cycle to school. These improvements include school zone features such as pencil shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths, and enhanced pedestrian crossings, designed to slow traffic and make walking and cycling safer for students. The programme aims include improving safety and public health while reducing car congestion and supporting climate goals.
Since its launch in 2021, the SRTS programme has grown significantly with 526 schools now actively incorporated into the programme and around €50 million invested in projects to date across Ireland. Tangible progress has been made in every city and county in the country, giving more families the option to choose active travel for at least part of the school journey.
The SRTS programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the NTA. The Education and Community Action Team at An Taisce is co-ordinating the programme.
The programme works closely with school communities, parents and local authorities to ensure that proposed measures reflect local needs and gain broad support through community engagement. Almost half of participating schools have reached an advanced stage, with 227 projects either completed, under construction or in the final design phase following public consultation.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister of State Sean Canney TD and Minister of State Emer Higgins TD, along with the National Transport Authority (NTA), announced the next round of schools to benefit.
Minister O’Brien 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, not only strengthens the safety of our students but also encourages lifelong habits of sustainable travel. The benefits - better health, safer journeys, lower emissions, and reduced congestion - are already evident in schools where improvements have been delivered. The annual report we launched earlier this year shows the transformative effect it has had: a 102% increase in park and stride; a 36% increase in cycling, a 6% increase in walking and a 17% decrease in car use. I look forward to seeing the next 105 schools progress through the programme and experience these positive outcomes.”
Minister of State Sean Canney said: “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, wheeling and cycling should become a viable option for much of the school community and will give people the option to leave the car at home.”
Anne Shaw, Chief Executive Officer for the NTA said: “Establishing healthier travel habits at a younger age will, for many, continue into adulthood and the NTA is delighted to be supporting this initiative as it goes from strength to strength.”
Round 4 Schools in Cork
Scoil Bernadette, Montenotte
St Luke’s School, Douglas
Strawberry Hill NS
Ballyvongane NS
Glenahulla NS
Rath NS, Baltimore
Rathduff NS
Scoil Réidh na nDoirí
SN Cill Criodain
St James' NS, Bantry
St Mary’s Primary School, Rosscarbery
St Multose NS, Kinsale
St Colman’s NS, Cloyne