Louth County Council Showcases Safer School Streets with St Louis Secondary

To celebrate Bike Week 2025, Louth County Council hosted a special event at St Louis Secondary School, Dundalk, on Wednesday, 14th May, to showcase the recent improvements delivered under the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme.

Accompanied by Community Gardaí Rachel Copperthwaite and Darragh Prior, pupils from St Louis Secondary School, along with volunteers from local cycling clubs, took part in a group bike ride that began at the school’s entrance on Bellew’s Bridge Road. The route included a visit to Ice House Hill Park before the cyclists returned to the school.

They were joined by students from two local primary schools - Scoil Náisiúnta Eoin Baiste and Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Kilcurry - who participated in the event by walking on foot. The morning wrapped up with some well-earned refreshments, provided by the Last Lap Café, rewarding all students for their enthusiasm and participation on a warm summer’s day.

The SRTS Programme is funded by the Department of Transport and operated by An Taisce, in partnership with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Louth County Council. 

The initiative is designed to create safer, more accessible walking and cycling routes in school communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates, and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school.

Works at St Louis Secondary School began during the summer of 2024 and involved a comprehensive package of safety and accessibility upgrades in the area surrounding the school. 

These included the removal of outdated road signage and pedestrian guardrails, installing a raised table pedestrian zone and ‘School Street’ outside the school gates, and adding safe pedestrian crossing points. 

Further improvements included new warning signs, safer crossing zones with high-grip surfaces, and colourful, demountable pencil bollards to help mark out pedestrian areas in front of the school.

As a result of these improvements, the area to the front of the school has been significantly transformed into a safer and more welcoming space for students, parents, and other road users.

Michelle Dolan, Principal of St Louis Secondary School, said: “The Safe Routes to School Programme has made a huge difference to our school, particularly at the entrance on Bellew’s Bridge Road. 

“In the past, we have, unfortunately, had incidents with unsafe driving, but people know when they are approaching a school now, and it is slowing drivers down, making the crossings much safer, and making the students more aware that they can walk or cycle to school.

“Dundalk is a really flat town, it’s very accessible, and the more infrastructure we have to make it safe, the more chance we have of getting girls - and boys - to cycle and walk to school.”

Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: "It’s great to see students from around the county out on their bikes, especially during Bike Week. The Safe Routes to School Programme not only ensures safer passage for our students but also encourages a culture of walking and cycling and the work that has been carried out at St Louis Secondary School in Dundalk, and Scoil Aonghusa in Drogheda, is a positive step forward for the county in terms of promoting safety and sustainability."

David Hanratty, Acting Director of Services, Louth County Council, said: “The Safe Routes to School Programme is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration between local authorities, the National Transport Authority, An Taisce, and the Department of Transport, and, by working together, we’re not only improving safety around schools but also supporting healthier, more active lifestyles.”

The enhancements delivered at St Louis Secondary School are among several projects underway across the county as part of Louth County Council’s broader commitment to Active Travel and sustainable, child-friendly infrastructure.

For more on the Safe Routes to School Programme, visit:https://www.nationaltransport.ie/planning-and-investment/transport-investment/active-travel-investment-programme/safe-routes-to-school-srts-programme-active-travel/