Five Donegal schools are among 105 schools nationwide that have been selected for inclusion in round four of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme.
The five local schools are Scoil Cholmcille, Kerrykeel, Scoil Mhuire, Glenties, Scoil Mhuire, Milford, Scoil Naomh Bríd, Muff and St Aengus NS, Bridgend.
The initiative is designed to transform the school run by installing safety infrastructure such as “School Zone” pencil-shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths, and enhanced pedestrian crossings to slow traffic and prioritise student safety.
Welcoming the announcement made by the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA), Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “I am delighted to see five more Donegal schools being brought into this important programme. This investment will provide the safety measures necessary to make walking, wheeling, and cycling a realistic and safe choice for our students and their families.”
This latest expansion brings the total number of participating schools across the country to 526, ensuring safer walking, wheeling, and cycling environments for thousands more students across every county in Ireland.
“The success of previous trials here in Donegal proves that these interventions work. By creating a safer environment at the school gate, we are not just keeping our children safe, we are also encouraging lifelong habits of physical activity and helping to reduce congestion in our towns and villages,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.
Nationally, the SRTS programme has seen a 102% increase in ‘park and stride’ and a 36% increase in cycling at participating schools. With approximately €50 million invested to date and a further €15-20 million estimated for 2026, the programme remains a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to Active Travel.
“Thanks to the school communities, parents, and Donegal County Council for their engagement with the NTA and An Taisce to bring these projects to fruition, ensuring that Donegal’s students of all abilities have access to safe, sustainable transport to and from school,” Minister of State McConalogue commented.
