Increased funding and a greater role for local authorities are needed to increase the rate at which the Safe Routes to School Scheme is implemented.
Galway East TD Sean Canney said that just 12 schools across County Galway out of 65 registered for the scheme have been allocated funding to date.
The Safe Routes to School Scheme is meant to alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school.
It does this by providing improvements to walking and cycling facilities in the area around the school.
The programme is currently administered by An Taisce, but Deputy Canney claims that a greater role needs to be given to local councils.
“I believe that the fund should be administrated by the Local Authorities who have the expert knowledge and experience in road safety.”
Deputy Canney said that multiple schools require safety works in the area to make them more accessible, but have not received funding despite applying for the programme.
He highlighted locations such as Corrandrum National School, Castlehackett National School, Milltown National School, Sylane National School, Belmont National School, Ballinlass National School, Clydagh National School, Crumlin National School, and Kilcoona National School.
“I support Galway County Council’s request to have at least 4 of the above schools included in the round of schools to be funded
“We cannot pretend that there is a scheme in place if schools are being excluded for no apparent reason”.
