13 Cork schools to benefit from safe travel scheme

A total of 13 schools in Cork are among 105 schools announced nationally to benefit from the latest round of the safe routes to school programme.

City-based schools Scoil Bernadette, St Luke’s School in Douglas, and Sunday’s Well GNS are to benefit.

In the county, Ballyvongane NS, Glenahulla NS, Rath NS in Baltimore, Rathduff NS, Scoil Réidh na nDoirí, SN Cill Criodain, St James’ NS, St Mary’s Primary School in Rosscarbery, St Multose NS in Kinsale, and St Colman’s NS are included on the safe routes to school programme.

The improvements delivered as part of the programme include school zone features such as pencil shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths, and enhanced pedestrian crossings designed to slow traffic and make walking and cycling safer for students.

The programme aims also include improving safety and public health while reducing car congestion and supporting climate goals.

Since its launch in 2021, the programme has already reached 526 schools across Ireland.

Minister of state at the Department of Transport, Cork South-Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer, said he is delighted to see the programme continuing to advance.

“This nationwide investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, estimated at around €15-20m for 2026, strengthens the safety of our students and also encourages lifelong habits of sustainable travel,” he said.

“Better health, safer journeys, lower emissions, and reduced congestion are just some of the benefits. At its core, this programme is about making school environments safer by reducing traffic speeds and improving how children interact with the road” he added.

“The default choice of many is to travel to work or school by car, but with the provision of infrastructure through the safe routes to school programme, walking and cycling should become a viable option for many.”