Improved ‘school zones’ launched in Bandon and Belgooly

CORK County Council has launched two new and improved ‘School Zones’ at Scoil Mhuire na nGrást in Belgooly and Gaelscoil Dhroichead na Banndan as part of the Safe Routes to School Programme.

The programme aims to accelerate the delivery of walking, scooting, and cycling infrastructure on key access routes and to provide ‘front of school’ treatments to enhance access. 

Scoil Mhuire na nGrást and Gaelscoil Dhroichead na Banndan have seen the installation of colourful child-friendly amenities to the front and rear of the schools, including larger congregation spaces, dedicated seating areas, artwork, widened paths, and pencil bollards.

Welcoming the scheme, County Mayor Cllr Frank O’Flynn said: “Not only is it important for our children to be able to get to school safely, but it’s also important for our children to be physically active in an enjoyable environment. I hope the new Safe Route to School Zones will greatly benefit the communities of Bandon and Belgooly.”

With 358 students and 34 staff, Scoil Mhuire na nGrást has a long tradition of promoting active travel, with students regularly cycling to school.

School Principal at Scoil Mhuire na nGrást, Diarmuid Hennessy said: “As an active and Green School, improved and safe access for the ever-increasing number of pupils walking, cycling and availing of school transport to Scoil Mhuire na nGrást is a welcome feature.

“The school community is very grateful to the many individuals, groups and organisations who continue to support the school’s endeavours in these important areas for the pupils.” 

Gaelscoil Dhroichead na Banndan, an all-Irish, co-educational primary school with 170 students and 16 staff, has also benefited from the new Safe School Zone design.

School Principal at Gaelscoil Dhroichead na Banndan, Nioclás Ó Laoghaire said: “The Safe Routes to School Programme has been a hugely positive development enabling our school community to use more sustainable ways of getting to and from school each day.

“The school zone is bright, colourful and child friendly whilst also greatly improving safety.” 

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan said they are delighted to see the positive impact of the Safe Routes to School Programme in Belgooly and Bandon.

“These initiatives not only improve safety for students but also promote sustainable and active modes of transportation within our communities,” she added.

The Safe Routes to School programme was launched in March of 2021 by the Department of Transport with the support of the Department of Education and is administered by the National Transport Authority and An Taisce Green Schools.