Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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204.To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost in 2023 of providing funding nationwide for the safe routes to school programme. [31683/24]

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, through the provision of infrastructure interventions. This should help alleviate congestion at school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school. The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority's Active Travel Infrastructure Programme and An Taisce's Green Schools Team is responsible for its co-ordination.

Invitations to express interest were sent to all primary and secondary schools in the country, and 931 applications were received from schools across every county in Ireland. While 275 schools have been selected for Rounds 1 and 2 of the Programme, all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted, and, if not selected in the first two Rounds, will be selected for forthcoming Rounds.

Noting the role of the NTA in the funding of the Programme, I have referred your specific question to that agency for a more detailed answer. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office.