Five Kilkenny schools to get safety improvements

Five Kilkenny schools are set to benefit from funding under the Safe Routes to School programme.

As part of a national roll-out of up to €20 million in support, next year, the local schools will be made safer environments for children as they walk, wheel or cycle to school.

The five schools listed for next year are: Bennettsbridge NS; Scoil Mhuire in Mooncoin; SN Moin Ruadh; St Kieran’s NS in Johnstown; and Stoneyford NS.

The safety improvement works will 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.

The programme works closely with school communities, parents and local authorities to ensure that measures reflect local needs and gain broad support through community engagement.

A number of school in Kilkenny have already seen investment in school-environs safety thanks to the Safe Routes to School programme, including the Loreto Secondary School, St Canice’s and St John of God primary schools in the city, as well as Paulstown NS, Graignamanagh’s Duiske College, the boy’s national school and Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal.