The establishment of the Active Travel Investment Programme, funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) has been a ‘game changer’ for many areas, particularly schools and local communities.

The concept of these measures is reflective of the objectives of Your Council Day, a celebration of the work and services of local authorities throughout the country, in building stronger communities, supporting local communities and in turn supporting community and voluntary groups.

The Active Travel Investment Programme is an ambitious initiative that delivers strategic and inclusive investments, complementing and integrating with local road design projects.

It provides enhanced infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, creating safer, more accessible routes that benefit the entire community served by the new measures.

These Active Travel measures have the further effect of making areas more attractive for leisure and recreational amenities, creating a sense of pride and well-being in local communities across all ages.

A central part of the Active Travel initiative is the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme launched in March 2021. The programme is designed to encourage pupils in primary and post primary schools to walk, cycle and wheel to school in a safer and healthier way.

The programme is delivered in partnership by An Taisce SRTS Infrastructure Officers and Local Authority Active Travel Teams who collaborate proactively with schools throughout the process.

Last year, Roscommon County Council’s Active Travel Team completed three SRTS schemes at St. Paul’s National School, Castlerea and at St. Joseph’s National School and Colaiste Chiarain, secondary school, both in Summerhill near Athlone.

The works completed at the school’s included construction of new raised table, controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings as well as the development of new footpaths and upgrading of existing footpaths.

Further improvements involved traffic calming measures such as the installation of speed ramps, junction tightening, and road carriageway narrowing.

Further enhancements included the installation of pencil bollards and the application of road markings to clearly define the School Zone and improve visibility, along with new road signage to alert motorists and enhance overall safety in the area.

The schemes have demonstrably and significantly improved safety and accessibility at each of the schools in question, with traffic calming measures effectively reducing vehicle speeds.

Furthermore, enhanced visual cues have increased driver awareness of the school zones, while improvements at the school entrances provide safer, more spacious areas for student congregation.

Roscommon County Council’s Active Travel Team say projects such as the aforementioned three school projects have had a transformative effect on all local road users.

The team claim the Active Travel measures in Castlerea and Summerhill alone have greatly enhanced road safety, not only for students attending nearby schools but also raised awareness for road users, particularly motorists.

The materials used in the design of these active travel measures are sustainable and durable as well as enhancing and complementing the local environment which they serve.

In addition to delivering new sustainable mobility infrastructure, other Active Travel measures have also created recreational and leisure facilities that can be enjoyed not only by local communities but also by visitors to the area who may be enjoying a day’s break or holiday in the immediate area.

“Roscommon County Council’s Active Travel Team look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Transport and our colleagues in the National Transport Authority to deliver high quality, cost effective Active Travel measures,” said a spokesperson for the team.