Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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68. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of schools enrolled in the safe routes to school in 2022 and to date in 2023; the number of schools waiting to be enrolled; the breakdown of the number of schools enrolled in the programme by each county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14071/23]

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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71. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of funding that has been allocated to the safe routes to school programme in 2023; the number of schools that are availing of the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14074/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 71 together.

In March 2021, I launched the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme as a response to the need to improve safety at the ‘front of school’ environment and enhance access to school grounds. The programme aims to support walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and to create 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 funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA). An Taisce’s Green Schools team is coordinating the programme and funding will be made available to local authorities who will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.

Given the role of the NTA in allocating funding and progressing the SRTS Programme, I have referred the Deputy's queries to that agency for a more detailed response. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a response in the next 10 days.