The ‘Safe Routes to School’ scheme was officially opened at St Mary’s National School, Virginia. The school, located on the R-178 Bailieborough Road, a busy regional route, was identified by Cavan County Council’s Active Travel unit as a priority candidate for the Safe Route to Schools programme, which aims to encourage students to walk, scoot, and cycle to and from school, and received funding of €418,000 from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority. The scheme provides a safer pedestrian link to the school, increasing pedestrian traffic, acts as a natural traffic calming measure, improves crossing facilities, and encourages active travel leading to sustainability and health benefits.
Following a competitive tender process, Gerard Love Contracts Ltd was appointed to carry out the works, which were strategically planned and executed during the 2023 School Summer holidays to minimise disruption. Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Philip Brady congratulated Cavan County Council’s Active Travel team and the contractors on successfully delivering this fantastic project, which recognises that our children are our future, and places their needs at its heart.
Speaking at the official opening, where he also planted a tree to commemorate his visit, Minister Chambers said; "The creation of good habits in terms of sustainable mobility at a young age is a key part of widespread modal shift into the future, and giving our young people the chance to walk or take the bike in a safer environment can create a more active and community-based society into the future."
