Funding will allow pupils to walk and cycle to school

TWO Lucan schools will benefit from funding through the Safe Routes to School Programme, allowing students to walk and cycle to school safely.

Adamstown Castle ETNS and Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig have been selected to undergo works which will enhance the safety of children attending the schools, as well as reduce traffic congestion at peak hours.

The Safe Routes to School Programme involves the installation of safety infrastructure such as improved crossing facilities, high-friction markings on the road at either end of the school front and signage to show drivers that they are entering a School Zone.

To prevent parking on the path in front of the school, pencil bollards have been installed at previous school sites as part of the programme, as well as high-friction roundels on the road surface to highlight the school frontage.

Councillor Caroline Brady said she was “delighted” to see two Lucan schools added to the programme, enhancing the safety of students travelling to school on foot or by bike, saying:

“If we want to encourage more children to take a more active route to school, we need to ensure it is safe.

‘In many communities, the scheme has helped create safer routes with changes like improvements to footpaths.”

“I look forward to seeing the new projects at the two additional schools in Lucan in the future.”

Across the country, 83 schools across the country have been added to the programme, bringing the total number of participating schools to 609.

“It is so important to keep our schoolchildren safe, healthy and active in their day-to-day journeys.

“I look forward to seeing the progress schools across Lucan make to encourage even more children to walk and cycle to school,” concluded Cllr Brady.

Evidence has shown that since the programme was first introduced, there has been an uptick in the number of children cycling and walking to school, with a decrease in car use.

Surveys collected from schools where infrastructure interventions have been completed, representing almost 1,700 students across Ireland, show cycling to school has increased by almost 49 per cent, walking has increased by 8 per cent, while car use has fallen by more than 10 per cent.

progress schools across Lucan make to encourage even more children to walk and cycle to school,” concluded Cllr Brady.

Evidence has shown that since the programme was first introduced, there has been an uptick in the number of children cycling and walking to school, with a decrease in car use.

Surveys collected from schools where infrastructure interventions have been completed, representing almost 1,700 students across Ireland, show cycling to school has increased by almost 49 per cent, walking has increased by 8 per cent, while car use has fallen by more than 10 per cent.