Wicklow Schools Embrace Safe Routes To Schools Programme To Enhance Safer Access For Pupils

Wicklow County Council receive funding boost for school environments to improve walking and cycling infrastructure around schools

Wicklow County Council officially opened the Safe Routes to School improvements at St Kevin’s NS, Rathdown Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

The programme has provided Wicklow County Council with targeted funding to provide safer front of school environments and improved walking and cycling infrastructure around schools. 

Following an announcement at the end of 2024, an additional 141 schools were rolled into the active programme, through the launch of round three.

Wicklow County Council is delighted to have two more of our schools included. These schools will join a list of eight others in Co Wicklow for which funding has been received to date.

The aim of the SRTS Programme is to improve safety at the school gate by providing ‘front of school’ treatments to alleviate congestion and improve access and support active travel. This is achieved by improving walking and cycling infrastructure and cycle parking facilities, thereby promoting an increased number of students to cycle to school.

The improvements at St Kevin’s NS exemplify the benefit these initiatives bring to students today. The” School Zone” improvements to the front of the school create a safer environment for students when commuting to school and will foster important habits regarding safety and awareness that carry into adulthood.

Meanwhile Councillor Stephen Stokes has welcomed the official launch of the Safe Routes to School measures at St. Kevin’s National School in Greystones. It took place on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025.
 

As a past pupil of St. Kevin's National School, Cllr Stephen Stokes was delighted to see a strong turnout at the official launch. Speaking afterwards, Cllr Stokes also paid tribute to the collaborative efforts of Wicklow County Council, An Taisce Green-Schools, and the National Transport Authority, whose partnership has been vital to delivering the measures. Cllr Stokes added: 

“I look forward to seeing even more students choosing active travel every day. These improvements will benefit the entire community and reflect our commitment to putting children’s safety first.”

The Safe Routes to School programme is an ongoing national initiative aimed at improving travel safety for primary and post-primary students across Ireland, with Greystones now proudly standing as a model of successful implementation. Cllr Stephen Stokes concluded: "This is a positive step forward. I will continue to support more improvements for schools across Charlesland, Delgany, Greystones, Kilcoole, Killadreenan and Newcastle." 

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said:

“The Safe Routes to School programme is a great example of how small, local projects can make a big difference. Supporting students to walk, cycle, scoot or take public transport to school benefits communities by making routes to school safer, and relieving local traffic congestion. This report shows it also has great benefits for students themselves, with teachers reporting that they arrive to school more alert and ready to learn. Congratulations to all involved.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Seán Canney said:

“I am delighted to see the impact the Safe Routes to School programme is making. I am particularly pleased to see so much demand and so many successful projects in schools that are located on higher-speed rural roads. Students in rural areas often live close to their schools, but find the lack of infrastructure makes walking, scooting or cycling there a challenge. This programme  helps address these challenges and gives students safer, healthier options for travel.”  

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said:

“It’s wonderful to hear from students and teachers that the Safe Routes to School programme is making such a difference to them, by encouraging active travel among young people and making schools more accessible. Both steps are hugely important, for our climate and for our communities.”