Schools in Tipperary added to safety programme aimed at making journey's to school safer

Schools in Tipperary will benefit from funding through the Safe Routes to School Programme, a Tipperary TD has said.

Fine Gael Deputy and Tipperary South TD Michael Murphy commented on the news today, saying: “Fine Gael made Safe Routes to School a priority in Government, and today’s announcement shows that commitment in action. With over €50m invested nationally to date we are ensuring safer journeys in Tipperary.”

Scoil San Isadóir, Boherlahan and Burncourt NS from Tipperary will benefit from this additional funding.

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These improvements 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.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer said, “I am delighted to see the Safe Routes to School Programme continuing to advance at pace. This nationwide investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, estimated at around €15-20 million for 2026, strengthens the safety of our students and also encourages lifelong habits of sustainable travel. Better health, safer journeys, lower emissions, and reduced congestion are just some of the benefits.

“At its core, this programme is about making school environments safer by reducing traffic speeds and improving how children interact with the road. The default choice of many is to travel to work or school by car, but with the provision of infrastructure through the Safe Routes to School Programme, walking and cycling should become a viable option for many.”

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Since its launch in 2021, the SRTS programme has grown significantly with 526 schools now actively incorporated into the programme and around €50 million invested in projects to date across Ireland. Tangible progress has been made in every city and county in the country, giving more families the option to choose active travel for at least part of the school journey.

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

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.

Round 4 also includes schools located on higher-speed rural roads. The 12 schools in this category will benefit from tailored measures such as prominent signage and road markings to alert motorists and encourage lower speeds. This follows successful trials in Galway, Roscommon and Donegal, which recorded speed reductions near the schools involved.