'Safe routes' road safety works for two Offaly schools

Two secondary schools in Offaly are to benefit from safety works under the third round of the National Transport Authority's 'Safe Routes to School' programme, it was announced today (Friday).

Coláiste Íosagáin in Portarlington and Oaklands Community College in Edenderry are the two Offaly schools that were among 141 nationally which are moving to round three of the initiative.

This latest phase of the will extend 'School Zone' improvements to more schools, using design features such as pencil shaped bollards, colourful road markings, improved footpaths, and pedestrian crossings to highlight the presence of the school and encourage traffic to slow down and increase active travel among students.

The National Transport Authority said the focus will be be on alerting motorists to the presence of schools in order to encourage lower speeds and more attentive driving.

"This will be achieved through signage and road markings at the front of the school," it said.

The 'Safe Routes to School' programme, launched in 2021 provides local authorities with targeted funding to enhance safer front of school environments and improved walking and cycling infrastructure around schools.

By alleviating traffic congestion and fostering safe and sustainable travel habits, the programme aims to make active commuting more accessible for students throughout the country.

When the programme launched, 932 schools, nearly a quarter of all schools nationally applied, and 414 schools have been actively engaged in the programme to date.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said: "It has been so encouraging to see the growing number of young people cycling and walking to school because of the Safe Routes to School projects that the NTA has helped deliver with our partner Local Authorities.

"We're committed to overseeing the delivery of new projects as we announce the third round of the programme and ensuring that its positive impact is felt by schools in every corner of the country. That is why there is such a strong focus on rural schools this year."