John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

325. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if TII makes specific funding available to local authorities to fund safety works at locations where there are primary schools along national routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17521/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.

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 including, in some cases, School Zones.

These projects 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 (NTA) and An Taisce's Green Schools is co-ordinating the programme.

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. 167 schools form Round 1 of the SRTS Programme while a further 108 schools were announced for Round 2 in December 2022. Round 3 of the SRTS Programme was launched in November 2024 with a further 141 schools entering the programme, including 67 schools located on National Roads. It should be noted that all schools that applied to the original call for applications were accepted into the programme, and if not selected in the Rounds to date will be selected for forthcoming rounds.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply with regard to safety works on the National Road Network more generally. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.