Ennis School celebrates completion of 'truly transformative' road scheme

Clare County Council joined pupils from Holy Family Senior, Junior National School and other stakeholders to celebrate the completion of the Safe Routes to School scheme at the Ennis primary school.

The initiative, a collaborative effort funded by the Department of Transport and delivered by the National Transport Authority in partnership with An Taisce and the local authority, has created a safer, healthier and more enjoyable journeys to school for children and the entire school community.

The Holy Family School Zone Project consisted of two new raised zebra crossings, resurfaced and widened footpaths, installation of colourful pencil bollards and low-level knee rail, new greening and planting areas, upgraded disabled access parking bays and all associated signing and road markings.

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The new infrastructure makes routes safer for students, helping to reduce congestion at the school gates and creating a more pleasant environment for families.

Describing the Safe Route School initiative as “truly transformative for our students, families and staff” Miram Lowe, Principal of Holy Family Junior School said, “These improvements have made a visible difference. Our pupils now travel to school more safely and confidently and our community feels more connected and supported as a result. The introduction of new paths, seating areas, colourful pencil poles and flower beds has transformed the school surrounding and created a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere.”

Paying tribute to An Taisce and Clare County Council staff for their support and commitment in bringing the project to completion, Jillian Bridge, Principal of Holy Family Senior School added, “This achievement reflects the power of collaboration and shared vision, and we are delighted to see it finally brought to fruition. We can already see the impact in the words of our pupils. One student recently said, ‘I like walking with my friends because it feels safer to cross the road now and the bright colours make me feel happy.’ Comments like this show that these changes are not only about safety, but also about giving our children a positive, confident start to their school day.”

Speaking on the completion of the works, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Paul Murphy, said, “Initiatives like this really help in promoting more sustainable travel choices and improve safety for vulnerable road users such as our schoolchildren. The creation of School Zones on both Station Rd and Friars Walk gives priority to students and informs the motorist to take extra care.”

Mayor of Ennis Cllr Mary Howard added, “This project is a benefit not only to the school but also to the town of Ennis, with the addition of safer pedestrian crossings, wider footpaths, seating and new planting areas for everyone to enjoy.”

Reiterating the importance of working closely with the school community Clare County Council Director Service for Physical Development Alan Farrell said, “Clare County Council listened to what the school and parents wanted following engagement with An Taisce. Safer Crossing points, improved footpaths and speed control measures were all high on their priority list. Through funding provided by the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority along with In-House design provided by our Active Travel Team, Clare County Council have provided safer infrastructure that will benefit the school and local community alike.”

Richard Silke, Infrastructure Officer with An Taisce said, "We are delighted with the transformative works at Holy Family Junior and Senior schools. The Safe Routes to School programme aims to improve safety for students traveling to school and encourages the use of active travel. We hope the colourful changes outside the school as well as the infrastructural changes on routes to the school will do just that! We want to congratulate the school and the local authority for the hard work they have done in getting this scheme finished and are excited to see how it changes the way students and parents travel to school.”