New cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings to be installed at three Wexford schools as part of national safety initiative

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Pupils in three Co Wexford schools can look forward to walking and cycling to their classes in a safe, friendly environment following an announcement made by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien.

Revealing that Kennedy College in New Ross, St Anne’s National School in Rathangan, and St Fintan’s National School in Taghmon have been selected for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme, the minister said the aim was to create “lifelong habits” for young Wexford students.

“This investment in walking and cycling infrastructure not only strengthens the safety of our students but also encourages lifelong habits of sustainable travel,” he said. “The benefits - better health, safer journeys, lower emissions, and reduced congestion - are already evident in schools where improvements have been delivered.”

As part of the programme a number of safety measures will be implemented at each of the three schools; these 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 include improving safety and public health while reducing car congestion and supporting climate goals.

The programme works closely with school communities, parents and local authorities to ensure that proposed measures reflect local needs and gain broad support through community engagement. Almost half of participating schools have reached an advanced stage, with 227 projects either completed, under construction or in the final design phase following public consultation.

The SRTS programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the NTA. The Education and Community Action Team at An Taisce is co-ordinating the programme.

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

Wexford TD and Housing Minister, James Browne, also welcomed the announcement.

“I am delighted to see the Safe Routes to School Programme continuing to advance at pace in Wexford,” he said. “This investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, not only strengthens the safety of our students but also encourages lifelong good habits. I just want it to be safer for our kids to walk and cycle in this country.”