Safe Routes to School Programme Boosts Safety and Active Travel at Two Waterford National Schools
Two rural national schools in County Waterford are today celebrating safer access to their grounds.
The improved safety measures introduced under the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme have had a positive impact at Our Lady of Mercy National School in Stradbally and Garranbane National School near Dungarvan.
The SRTS programme, an initiative of the Department of Transport and supported by the Department of Education, is operated by An Taisce in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Active Travel Department in Waterford City and County Council at a local level.
The programme’s focus is to implement improvements that create safer, more accessible routes for children to travel to school and to provide dedicated front of school treatments that enhance access to school grounds and ensure safe spaces for children.
At the official launch of the projects on Friday 7th March, which was followed by a reception in the Barron Hall, Stradbally, the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy stated that the SRTS programme plays a key role in encouraging children to walk and cycle while ensuring their safety.
“By improving infrastructure at the front of schools and enhancing walking and cycling routes, we are fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for our community,” the Mayor said.
Michael Murphy, Active Travel Senior Engineer, Waterford City and County Council, outlined the improvements: “The works are designed to create safe, welcoming spaces for the children and their families. We focused on enhancing access to the schools, with measures such as upgraded pedestrian crossings, traffic calming and clear signage.”
Finola O’Driscoll, Senior Programme Manager for Active Travel Investment in the NTA, said: “This is a fantastic day for the SRTS programme in Waterford. It is incredible to see so many schools embrace this initiative, helping children start their day in an active way. The NTA would like to commend the school communities at Garranbane National School and Our Lady of Mercy National School who have embraced the importance of safer, more people focused, front of school environments.”
Tomás Walsh, Principal at Our Lady of Mercy National School, said the school community is “thrilled” to see how excited the children are about walking and cycling to school. “The improvements have strengthened the connection between the school and the village, made the school environment safer, and promoted healthier habits including a reduction in cars at the school as more children walk and cycle,” Mr Walsh said.
Anna Casey, Principal at Garranbane National School, said: “The improvements have made the front of our school more welcoming for the children to arrive and depart school each day.”
