Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed confirmation that Sylane National School will be included in Round 5 of the Safe Routes to School Programme, with Scoil Tuairíní, Moycullen and Scoil Íde, Salthill also set to join the latest phase of the national initiative.

The Safe Routes to School Programme supports walking, cycling and scooting to school by delivering infrastructure that makes school journeys safer for children and their families.

Minister Canney said the inclusion of Sylane National School is particularly welcome for the local community.

“This is excellent news for the pupils, parents, staff and wider community at Sylane National School. Safe Routes to School is about making it easier and safer for children to walk, cycle or scoot to school while improving road safety around our schools. I know this will be warmly welcomed locally.”

He added: “I’m also very pleased that Scoil Tuairíní in Moycullen and Scoil Íde in Salthill will be included as part of Round 5. These projects help create safer, healthier communities while encouraging more sustainable travel for everyday school journeys.”

The Safe Routes to School Programme was launched in 2021 and has received applications from 932 schools across every county. Schools are being brought into the programme in phases, with all schools that applied set to be included over successive rounds.

Round 5 will include 83 additional schools across the country, bringing the total number of schools participating in the programme to 608.

Under the programme, An Taisce and the National Transport Authority work with schools and local authorities to identify measures that improve safety and encourage active travel, including improved crossings, footpaths, cycle facilities, traffic calming and enhanced school access.