Minister Chambers opens ‘Safe Routes to School’ at St Mary’s NS, Virginia

Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Jack Chambers TD joined Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Councillor Philip Brady in officially opening the ‘Safe Routes to School’ scheme at St Mary’s National School, Virginia on Monday, 20th May.

Built in 1980, St Mary’s National School caters to almost 500 pupils with over 40 staff employed in a vibrant school community.

The school, located on the R-178 Bailieborough Road, a busy regional route, was identified by Cavan County Council’s Active Travel unit as a priority candidate for the Safe Route to Schools programme, which aims to encourage students to walk, scoot, and cycle to and from school, and received funding of €418,000 from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.

This project was developed in-house by the Active Travel team and focuses on creating a Safe School Zone, front of school treatment, access to park and stride facilities, and linking existing footpaths. Additionally, the scheme includes junction improvements and provision of raised pedestrian crossings. A unique feature of the scheme is the incorporation of a rain garden, which promotes understanding and appreciation of biodiversity among students.

The scheme provides a safer pedestrian link to the school, increasing pedestrian traffic, acts as a natural traffic calming measure, improves crossing facilities, and encourages active travel leading to sustainability and health benefits.

Following a competitive tender process, Gerard Love Contracts Ltd was appointed to carry out the works, which were strategically planned and executed during the 2023 School Summer holidays to minimise disruption.

Speaking at the official opening, where he also planted a tree to commemorate his visit, Minister Chambers said, “The creation of good habits in terms of sustainable mobility at a young age is a key part of widespread modal shift into the future, and giving our young people the chance to walk or take the bike in a safer environment can create a more active and community-based society into the future.

The Safe Routes to School project here at St Mary’s NS will be invaluable for this purpose. It will make travelling to school easier and safer for those who can walk, wheel or cycle instead of using the car, through the provision of safer pedestrian links, traffic calming measures, improved crossing facilities and access to park and stride facilities. This school has been a key part of the community in its various iterations for over 150 years, and it is fantastic to see it continue to develop and expand to meet the needs of the school population.”

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Philip Brady said, “It’s a great honour to welcome Minister Chambers to Virginia today to officially open this worthy project, which promotes a safe environment for local school children while also encouraging active travel behaviours which will help us build a future less dependent on fossil fuels. I congratulate Cavan County Council’s Active Travel team and the contractors on successfully delivering this fantastic project, which recognises that our children are our future, and places their needs at its heart.”

For more information on Cavan County Council’s efforts to promote Active Travel in the county, visit www.cavancoco.ie/activetravel