Dublin City Council has announced the launch of a new school zone at Kildare Place School, Upper Rathmines, marking a significant milestone with over 100 school zones completed in Dublin City.
Lord Mayor Emma Blain officially unveiled the newest school zone and expressed her excitement for the positive impact it will have on the community.
Pictured are students from Kildare Place School, with Lord Mayor Emma Blain, Photo Chris Bellew/Fennells
The Lord Mayor commented on the occasion, “I am delighted to launch the new school zone to Kildare Place School.
“This milestone reflects Dublin City Council’s ongoing commitment to creating safer streets for our children.
“The new school zone will provide a safer environment for students and peace of mind for parents.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the daily journeys of our young people”.
The Kildare Place School Zone is part of the ongoing Safe Routes to School programme which is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA), coordinated by the Education and Community Action Team of An Taisce and is delivered in partnership with all 31 local authorities.
412 schools are now active in the SRTS programme.
School Zones aim to create safer, more accessible pathways for children travelling to and from school, encouraging walking and cycling while reducing traffic-related risks around school environments, implementing traffic calming measures, and increasing road safety awareness among students, parents, and the wider community.
By prioritising safety and accessibility, the scheme promotes healthier, more active lifestyles for children and helps to reduce congestion and pollution in school areas.
Ian Packham, Principal, Kildare Place School expressed his enthusiasm, “We’re very happy with the school zone at Kildare Place School. As a school with a strong culture of active travel and fostering independence, it gives us great confidence to know that our students and school community will benefit from a safer, more secure environment, allowing children to travel to and from school safely and independently”.
Lucy Hayes, Cycling & Walking Officer, Dublin City Council Traffic Section said, “It’s fantastic working with schools and their surrounding communities to progress the Safe Routes to School programme. Schools play a huge role in the health and wellbeing of our children and communities.
“Creating safer, calmer environments near schools can only help to encourage healthier, more active school journeys.”