Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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225. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of a safe routes to school programme 2021 for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57961/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was launched in March 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities. This will help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing the necessary infrastructure.

The programme is administered on behalf of the Department by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and An Taisce Green Schools. Over 900 schools applied to the programme each year, and while 170 of these were selected for Round 1, all other schools which applied will enter the programme on a rolling basis. Round 2 is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

I am aware that the school in question has applied to the Safe Routes to School Programme; however noting the role of the NTA in the matter, I have referred your question in relation to the status of this specific application to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.