Safe, sustainable and healthy – Wicklow community hails new Safe Routes to School scheme
The programme was first launched in 2021 to provide safer front-of-school environments and improved walking and cycling infrastructure around schools. By 2024, an additional 141 schools were rolled into the active programme nationally, with eight Wicklow schools approved for funding to date.
Schools participating in the scheme have reported a 17pc reduction in car journeys, as more students opt for walking, cycling, scooting, or using public transport.
The improvements at St Kevin's highlight the benefits of the scheme, with the 'school zone' upgrades to the front of the school creating a safer environment for students when commuting.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Melanie Corrigan, welcomed the official opening of the Safe Routes to School project at St Kevin's NS, on Tuesday, June 17, and said the completed works have 'significantly enhanced the area ensuring safety for children and peace of mind for parents'.
'I would like to pay tribute to the Wicklow County Council's Active Travel Team together with the staff from Greystones Municipal District for their hard work and dedication from design to construction on this project. It is a great achievement of all parties involved to witness this delivery of works, which no doubt will be enjoyed by many and for many years to come,' she said.
Greystones councillor Stephen Stokes, a past pupil of St Kevin's, said the launch marked a significant milestone in efforts to promote active travel and ensure safer conditions for students and families travelling to and from the school each day.
He pointed to significant improvements at the school, including upgraded pedestrian crossings, pencil bollards, clearer road surfaces and a re-opening of the Church Lane gate – all designed to prioritise the safety of young road users.
'This is a proud day for the community in Greystones,' he said. 'I commend the students, staff, and families of St Kevin's who have engaged so positively with this initiative. The Safe Routes to School programme is about more than infrastructure, it's about building a culture of safety, sustainability, and healthy habits for the future.'
'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.'
Looking more broadly across the county, Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris said he welcomed the progress under the programme, which he said is helping to make daily school journeys safer, healthier, and more sustainable for students across County Wicklow.
'Eight schools in Wicklow are now participating in the Safe Routes to School initiative, which is a clear sign of the county's commitment to safer and greener travel,' said the Tánaiste.
'The scheme is not only benefiting students, but it's also making a positive impact on the environment and easing local traffic congestion.
'Encouraging students to walk, cycle, scoot, or take public transport not only promotes road safety but also reduces traffic around our schools. I'm proud that Wicklow is playing an active role in this national effort,' he added.
The programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA). It is coordinated by the Education and Community Action Team of An Taisce and is delivered in partnership with local authorities.
The eight Wicklow schools that have received funding are:
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