Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senator for outlining that situation in relation to the primary school and safer routes. That is obviously a big programme the Government is investing in. We want to encourage more children to walk, cycle or be dropped safely at their schools. I am very disappointed to hear that any delays with the secondary school might be having an impact on the primary school. I will raise that directly with the Minister for Education and Youth. Surely, there is a way we can make sure that whatever footpaths will not be disturbed during the construction phase of Coachford, can at least be done now to protect and enable Safer Routes to School for those primary school children. I thank the Senator for raising that.

I fully appreciate her frustration with this. It is 2020 since funding was approved. That is a long time. It is very difficult for parents, students and staff to be caught in this loop where they are still waiting for the next phase. All I can say is I will absolutely raise it with the Minister and ask when the design will be finalised and when it will go to tender. Once it goes to tender, the Senator will have a much clearer indication of what that timeline looks like and will, at that point, be in a better position to be able to keep students, staff and parents informed. I thank her for her ongoing work on this matter. I know it is something that is very dear to her heart as a past pupil. It is something I will pass on to the Minister for education.