This innovative project also raises awareness to vehicle traffic that they are directly outside the school and should proceed with caution. It is part of the Safe Routes to School programme, an initiative by the National Transport Authority and Green Schools, with the works being delivered by Limerick City and County Council's Active Travel team.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Councillor Francis Foley said: "I am delighted to see Limerick's Safe Routes to School projects continue to progress. Creating safer environments for our children and grandchildren outside and near the school gates will enable many more children to choose active travel as a means of getting to and from class. There is a strong history of Active Travel within the Gaelscoil Sáirséal which is supported by both staff and parents. I am looking forward to seeing this tradition continue to grow and develop in the future."
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Minister at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, who has special responsibility for Safe Routes to School commented: "The works completed at An Gaelscoil Sáirséal are a fantastic example of the type of projects that can be achieved under the Safe Routes to School Programme. My Department has provided approximately €220,000 towards the development of this project. It is evident that it will make such a real difference to the student population by making their journeys to and from school safer, more convenient and more enjoyable."
Minister Chambers added: "This year my Department has provided Limerick City and County Council with €21 million in funding for walking and cycling projects. As projects benefitting from this funding continue to progress, I think it is safe to say that the future is bright for Limerick and its citizens. It is an exciting time and I look forward to seeing more schools, communities and businesses across the city and county enjoy more active modes of travel in the future."
The works include:
• New raised, controlled crossing on Shelbourne Road
• Junction improvement works at Mayorstone Estate to make it safer for children walking to school.
• Pencil-shaped bollards and planting have been added along Shelbourne Road to enhance the pedestrian space outside the school and to create awareness for other road users of the school's presence.
• Existing access gate on Shelbourne Park is to widen allowing bicycles, scooters and buggies easier access.
• Shelbourne Park is sometimes used as a park and stride option - the car park has been made safer with new footpaths.
