Local school selected for Safe Routes to School programme
Geashill National School has been selected to join the latest round of the Safe Routes to School Programme, Fine Gael TD for Offaly John Clendennen has confirmed.
The school has been included under Round 5 of the programme, bringing the total number of participating schools across Ireland to 609.
“This is very welcome news for Geashill National School and, most importantly, for the pupils, parents, staff and wider community who travel to and from the school every day,” Deputy Clendennen said.
“Safe access to our schools is particularly important in rural communities, where the road environment can present very different challenges to those faced by schools in our larger towns and urban areas.
“The purpose of Safe Routes to School is not simply to encourage more children to walk or cycle. We have to put the infrastructure in place that allows them to do so safely, while also improving conditions for every child arriving at the school, whether on foot, by bicycle, school transport or car.”
The work includes the distinctive Irish Safe Routes to School design approach, featuring pencil-shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths and improved pedestrian crossings. This nationally recognised design palette helps create safer, more child-friendly environments around schools.
Deputy Clendennen previously raised the outstanding Safe Routes to School pipeline with the Minister for Transport in June 2025 through the Parliamentary Question process, seeking progress for schools which had applied to participate in the programme.
Since then two Offaly schools were included in round 4 in December 2025, namely St Patrick’s National School in Clonbullogue, and Killina Presentation Secondary School.
“I have made the point that there were a number of schools which applied to this programme and were waiting to progress. I am therefore particularly pleased to see another Offaly school; Geashill National School now moving forward under Round 5.
“It is important now that we maintain momentum through that process and move as efficiently as possible from inclusion in the programme through design and ultimately to delivery on the ground.
“Earlier this year I raised Geashill National School directly in the Dáil in the context of progressing important school capital projects. It is important that future capital investment in the school itself is accompanied by safe and accessible infrastructure around it.
“I commend the work of the school, Offaly County Council and the relevant agencies in progressing this project and I look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour.”
The Safe Routes to School Programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority and delivered by An Taisce in partnership with local authorities, with Banagher Safe Route To School having commenced earlier this year.
More than €50 million was invested nationally in the programme between 2021 and 2025, with a further €24 million allocated in 2026.