Tipp features in Safe Routes to School

Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny, Ryan O’Meara, has welcomed the inclusion of Two Mile Borris National School in the fifth round of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme, with the school among 83 nationwide selected schools.

This national initiative is designed to transform the school run by installing safety infrastructure such as "School Zone" pencil-shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths, and enhanced pedestrian crossings to slow traffic and prioritise student safety, depending on the local needs of the school in question.

Deputy O’Meara said: "I am delighted to see Two Mile Borris National School selected to benefit from this important programme. This investment will provide the safety measures necessary to make the school commute safer for everyone in Two Mile Borris.

"By creating a safer environment at the school gate in Two Mile Borris, we are not just keeping our children safe; we are also making the village safer in general and tackling traffic safety issues locally."

“Getting this approval for Two Mile Borris from my Fianna Fáil colleague, Darragh O’Brien, means that we can now work on a detailed design plan around Two Mile Borris NS. Both Cllr Seán Ryan and I will continue to work with local stakeholders, the school, and Tipperary County Council to get this plan designed. Once the final suite of measures is in place, we then aim to secure funding in 2027 for this much-needed project.

"Thanks to the school community, parents, and Tipperary County Council for their ongoing engagement with the NTA and An Taisce to bring these projects to fruition, ensuring that local students of all abilities have access to safe, sustainable transport to and from school. I also want to recognise the hard work of local Cllr. Seán Ryan, who has been a strong advocate for Two Mile Borris National School and has consistently raised the need for improved safety measures around the school. This is an issue he has worked hard on for many years, and today's announcement is a very positive development for pupils, parents, and the entire school community.”

More than €50 million has been invested in Safe Routes to School between 2021 and 2025, with an additional €24 million allocated in 2026 with ongoing funding commitments supporting the expansion of the programme to additional schools.