Three Mayo schools selected for Safe Routes to School funding

Three schools in Mayo have been selected for funding under Round 4 of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme as part of a national initiative aimed at improving safety for children walking, wheeling, and cycling to school.

Castlebar Primary School (Junior and Senior Campuses) and Castlebar ETNS were among the 105 schools across Ireland selected to participate in the programme.

The announcement was made by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, TD; Minister of State Sean Canney, TD, and Minister of State, Emer Higgins, TD, in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA). The newly selected schools will begin progressing through the programme in 2026.

The SRTS programme delivers traffic-calming and active travel measures in the vicinity of schools, including upgraded footpaths, enhanced pedestrian crossings, school zone signage, colourful road markings and pencil-shaped bollards. The aim is to reduce vehicle speeds, improve road safety, support public health and encourage a shift away from car use on the school journey.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayo Minister of State Alan Dillion said: “I am delighted that these three national schools in Mayo have today been selected for funding through Round 4 of the Safe Routes to School Programme. This is a fantastic programme that will see measures implemented to make it safer and easier for students to walk and cycle to school. With over €50 million invested nationally to date, we are ensuring safer journeys in Mayo.”

READ NEXT: Westport GP returns after 10 years in NHS to serve Mayo community

Minister Dillion added that this is a win for students, parents and the wider community: “Safer routes mean healthier children, reduced congestion, and lower emissions. We want walking and cycling to become the default choice for school journeys, and this programme to make that possible.”

In total, 136 school zones have been completed to date, with others currently under construction, in design or progressing through consultation. Separately, 464 schools have benefited from Active Travel projects outside of the SRTS programme up to the end of 2024.

Anne Shaw, Chief Executive Officer for the NTA, said the schools where the safety measures have been put in place are reporting a significant increase in the number of children walking or cycling to school.

 “With the announcement of a further 105 schools actively taking part, this trend is set to grow. Establishing healthier travel habits at a younger age will, for many, continue into adulthood, and the NTA is delighted to be supporting this initiative as it goes from strength to strength.”