The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme has just published its 2024 Annual Report! Its packed with good news for students, parents, and communities around Ireland.
Over 400 schools are now taking part in the programme, which aims to make walking, cycling, and wheeling to school safer and easier. In 2024 alone, local authorities delivered infrastructure improvements at 50 schools. You can see some of the changes in our Before and After Video below.
Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA), and coordinated by An Taisce in partnership with all 31 local authorities, the programme continues to make a visible difference across the country in varying contexts. In the latest round, 141 new schools joined, including 67 on faster rural roads.
Some highlights from the report:
- 826 schools now have cycle and scooter parking – that’s over 10,700 bike spaces and more than 5,300 scooter parking spaces.
- Car use has dropped by 17%, while cycling is up 36% and walking up 6%.
- Park and Stride (using car parks a short walk from schools) saw a 49% increase in use.
- Air quality improved too, with pollution levels down by half during School Street hours.
The report also showcases creative projects led by students, including School Zones and placemaking efforts that make school streets safer and more welcoming.
With even more schools set to come on board in 2025, the SRTS programme is showing just how much can be achieved when schools, communities, and councils work together to make active travel a real option for kids.