COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 13, 2011

MOTION NO. 11

MOTION: Councillor D. Looney

That this Council, liaising with An Taisce and other relevant bodies, will promote a "walk-or-cycle-to-school" / "walk-or-cycle-to-college" initiative for one week in the coming academic year, 2011-2012, seeking the involvement of all educational institutions in the County; That the Council will examine such a week-long initiative in terms of traffic reduction and environmental benefits by availing of surveys of each participating institution with a view to more long term promotion of walking and cycling as commuting options in the County; And that the Council would promote and administer the initiative at low cost online through the Council website and social media.

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council supports sustainable transport initiatives by An Taisce and other relevant bodies. Given the number of educational institutions within the County and number of students therein, it is the schools themselves that are in the best position to assess the needs/demands and requirements to progress such projects with An Taisce.  The Council will liaise with these institutions and, where possible, support any initiatives taken.  The suggestion will also be examined in the context of the European Mobility Week which takes place between 16th and 22nd September every year. It usually incorporates a "no car" day during that week. This mobility week as well as the National Bike (18th to 26th June) week is promoted on the Council website. The Council is currently finalising plans for the week in June and has been in contact with schools and colleges throughout the County recommending their participation and promotion of National Bike Week.

An Taisce provide assistance to the schools via the Green Schools Programme which is operated in partnership with the Local Authorities and is supported by the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government, Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority. Individual schools are also involved in "walkingbus" " Walk On Wednesdays" schemes etc which are also supported by the Council and  An Taisce. In 2010 Clonburris National School Clondalkin were joint first in the Green travel competition run by An Taisce

The Council also provides assistance where schools are interested in developing sustainable transportation. We provide promotional material if requested by individual schools. The Council is also proactive in making infrastructural modifications at school approaches to improve the environment for sustainable transport.  However, given the demand for access to schools by car transport, selective and appropriate measures only are considered.

The Council helps provide cycle training courses held in local schools for up to 1500 children from 5th and 6th class in National schools throughout the County. This is done annually with the schools and is funded jointly by the Council and the individual schools.