Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While there was an enthusiastic response to the initial call for applications under the programme in 2021, with approximately one quarter of schools in the country registering to apply, this naturally means that three quarters of schools were not enrolled in it. It should, however, be noted that because a school is not currently in the programme, that does not mean it will not receive any new or improved active travel infrastructure. While there are currently no plans for an additional call for schools to join the programme, funding for active travel infrastructure for schools is not confined to the safe routes to school programme alone. In some cases, schools outside the programme are included in wider active travel projects, if they are in the vicinity of these works. In fact, all active travel funding looks to improve links to schools, where possible, and this will be provided through the programme for Government commitment of €360 million.

I detailed the amount provided to the Senator's area. We should give any assistance we can to schools. Voluntary boards of management are trying to progress these issues and this funding will be welcomed by them. I thank the Senator for raising this important issue.