Newbridge school concerns over road safety project 

The enhancement of road safety for local school children under the Safe Routes to School programme was a topic that was brought up before the most recent Kildare-Newbridge MD meeting.

The Safe Routes to School programme was developed in partnership by the NTA and Green-Schools, An Taisce, in 2020, as a response to the need to support schools to increase walking and cycling to school.

At the meeting, cllr Peggy O’Dwyer called for Scoil Na Naomh Uilig, Rickardstown, to be added to the list for funding under the Safe Routes to School Programme.

In response, senior executive engineer Donal Hodgins explained that the selection of schools for the programme is managed by An Taisce in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and that schools must apply directly to An Taisce for consideration, and said: “This is a nationwide initiative that is still working on round 1 schools.” 

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer submitted a motion seeking a formal commitment from the council to meet with the principals of the Patrician Primary and St Conleth’s schools in Newbridge in relation to this programme.

The purpose of the meeting would be to outline in detail the design and implementation of the proposed Safe Routes to School Round 2 Schemes, funded by the NTA.

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer relayed the schools’ safety concerns in relation to the roads connecting to it.

She said: “One of the principals has concerns over children cycling to school.” 

Worrying about the finer details of the programme and how they might be implemented, she added: “I am very reticent about Safe Routes. If they don’t work, it will land back in our lap.” 

Responding to this motion, Mr Hodgins clarified the council will engage with all stakeholders, including the principals of both schools after a review has been conducted on the proposals prepared by An Taisce.

This engagement will help refine the proposals before they are brought forward for public consultation and eventual implementation.