COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 14, 2012

QUESTION NO. 13

QUESTION: Councillor D. Looney

To ask the Manager to provide an update on the "walk-or-cycle-to-school" / "walk-or-cycle-to-college" initiative proposed by this Councillor at the June 2011 Council meeting and passed by the Council (M11/0611); to detail all work done in progressing this initiative in the last nine months, and to make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

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.

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.

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.  

The Council is also supporting the scheme through funding applications to the NTA relating to “Walk or Cycle to School/Walk or Cycle to College”.  Works were recently completed at Kilteel Road, Holy Family Community School to provide facilities for safe access for school children walking to school which included a pedestrian crossing, public lighting and a large platform for bus access.