Ashbourne school community create a safer environment for their students

Ashbourne Community School's Safe Routes to School Scheme is completed with new, wider paths and a safer pedestrian crossing placed in front of the school.

This safe route to school scheme (SRTS) is in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the local authorities.

Ashbourne school wanted to create a safer environment for their students and with funding provided by the NTA and Meath Co Council, they were able to make this possible.

The project, designed by consultant engineers Jacobs Engineering Ireland Ltd and delivered by Davis Civil Contractors Ltd, saw the improvement and widening of the footpath connecting the school to Milltown Road with new public lighting installed. Additional bike parking was also provided at the front of the school.

The new infrastructure presents an immediately identifiable school zone, creating a safer and more attractive school gate environment.

Cathaoirleach of Ashbourne MD, Cllr Connor Tormey welcomed the implementation of the scheme, saying: “It is great to see the safety improvements at Ashbourne Community School which have been carried out as part of the Safe Routes to Schools programme. I would like to thank all motorists for their patience while adjusting to the changes and we look forward to the construction of more school zones across the Municipal District and the county.”

Chief Executive of Meath Co Council, Kieran Kehoe said: “Meath Co Council is pleased to have facilitated this project, which makes an important intervention in the daily school commute for our youngest citizens by providing a safer journey from home to the school gate and then back home again. With a safer front of school, active travel is now both facilitated and encouraged.”