Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What I am saying is that €260 million is a significant amount. If 900 schools applied but only 170 of them were successful, that is less than 20%. The bones of 730 schools that were not picked. This is about starting with young people. It ticks a significant number of boxes - it facilitates active travel and in many cases it will improve safety around schools. That is the case for certain schools of which I am aware. This is a win-win initiative. It is about getting significant buy-in from schools, parents and, in particular, students, as well as the general public. That should be prioritised. Are the Department and the Minister considering the funding of any school that applies to the programme and meets certain criteria? Obviously, there would be a need for some form of due diligence.