Official Opening of the Safe Routes to School Scheme at the Holy Child National School, Ballycane, Naas
To enhance road safety for children and other vulnerable road users
8th November 2024: Kildare County Council today hosted Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamonn Ryan and Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, James Lawless, in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Joe Nevile for the official opening of the Safe Routes to School Scheme at the Holy Child National School, Ballycane, Naas.
This scheme includes several safety measures:
- Upgrade and widening of the footpath outside Holy Child National School on Lacken View to support safer active travel.
- Installation of pedestrian crossings along Lacken View and nearby roads to ensure safer routes for students and parents.
- New yellow and blue pencil-shaped bollards installed in the newly designated School Zone.
- Traffic-calming speed ramps placed on either side of the school to reduce vehicle speeds.
- Tightening of kerbs at junctions to reduce vehicular speeds and improve safety at crossing locations.
- New road markings and signage to improve visibility and safety for all road users.
- Provision of a bus set down zone and accessibility parking spaces.
The scheme has successfully reduced traffic speed and congestion in front of the school, encouraging safer walking and cycling options. The project aims to improve both physical and mental health for students and parents by promoting active travel.
Minister Ryan and Minister Lawless also took the opportunity to launch Round Three of An Taisce Green Schools – Safer Routes to School Programme. This national programme involves improvements at 142 schools across the country, including a number in County Kildare.
Speaking at the event, Minister Eamonn Ryan said; “When I went to primary school, most children – including myself – walked to and from school every day. Of course, our roads have changed a lot since then, but nevertheless, within the environment we live in today, I think it is just as important that children today can also be allowed to get into and out of their schools safely.
There is another reason why I think this is such a vital project. Last year I visited a school in Galway and the kids there told me that they loved their safe route to school because it made them feel more relaxed and happier when they got into school.”
We have, I hope, made many schools happier places so far and this new round of funding will mean that we can make the environment around a further 141 schools calmer and safer, in particular those on very busy roads. Making our children happier and calmer is always a great reason to take action and I look forward to this programme going from strength to strength.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of State, James Lawless said; "Through this latest announcement, thousands more children across Ireland will benefit from safer school routes. I’m thrilled to see this initiative reaching even more communities across the country. This programme is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about creating a safer, healthier, and more connected future for our children. The inclusion, for the first time, of 67 schools on Higher Speed Rural Roads is particularly encouraging and, I hope, will lead to lower speeds and improved driving habits outside these schools.’
Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councilor Joe Neville said “The Safe Routes to School Scheme is a key step towards creating a safer environment for school children and promoting sustainable travel habits in the community. The completion of works at the Holy Child National School, Ballycane not only alleviates traffic congestion but promotes active travel which greatly improves our health and overall wellbeing”.
Welcoming the scheme, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said; “Kildare County Council is delighted to launch these important upgrades which will change the way students and parents travel to school. Projects such as this will not only enhance safer access but will enable the commute to school to be more accessible for all. I look forward to Kildare County Council, in partnership with the National Transport Authority, delivering the Safe Routes to School programme to all participating schools across the county”.
Principal of the Holy Child National School, Ballycane, William O’Donoghue said; “As an active and green school, we are delighted with the new infrastructure that is now in place. Holy Child National school with 428 pupils and 42 staff members has benefited greatly by providing safe access for everyone getting to and from school each day. Well done to everyone involved”
This scheme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA)
