Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach sincerely for allowing me to raise this matter. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth. It is always a pleasure to have him in the House as he gives open and frank answers to Senators when we raise issues.

I would like to have a discussion rather than make a request. Like many others, I welcome the huge amount of money being invested in active travel such as walking and cycling routes. It is fantastic. It is wonderful to see access routes to some schools, particularly those near villages and towns, and young children cycling and walking to school, which all of us will agree is far better. The issue I want to discuss is how we improve these routes to schools in rural areas. On quieter, narrower roads where verges are often overgrown, the cost of putting routes in place would be significant in some cases. I would like the possibility of adding a new phase to the routes being put in place, perhaps via a pilot scheme in some counties, to be explored.

Children love to cycle and walk. They love nature and weather does not seem to phase them. We all accept that walking and cycling are far healthier. Roosky, like many other towns and villages, is becoming more walking and cycle friendly. We have a few issues with local schools. Part of the bridge over the River Shannon is in Leitrim and part is in Roscommon and it is unfortunately very narrow. If two vehicles are passing on the bridge, a child, adult or parent with a buggy cannot pass. It would be a wonderful idea - and it has been spoken about - to install a footbridge. It would be environmentally friendly and would provide safe passage across the bridge for cyclists and walkers and help children going to school.

It would be nice to have pilot schemes for rural schools for which access is an issue because of road width. To make these roads safe, hedges would have to be cut back and perhaps replaced with timber fencing and drainage pipes would need to be put down to close off drains along roadsides. As I said, this involves a big cost but substantial money is now being spent on active travel, which is a very good thing for all of our people. Perhaps this proposal could be considered. I look forward to the Minister of State's reply.