Blacklion Schools’ Safe Route Takes Root

Stop the traffic for sausage rolls… FRI6MAR26

atest press release from Tánaiste Simon Harris, issued on Friday, March 6th 2026…

Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris TD today officially opened new Safe Routes to School infrastructure at Blacklion Manor Schools Campus in Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

The Government-funded improvements, delivered by Wicklow County Council’s Active Travel Team, serve three schools Temple Carrig Secondary School, Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath and Greystones Educate Together National School with a combined student population of almost 2,000.

The works include safer crossings, a new two-way segregated cycle track, colour-contrasted surfacing and pencil-shaped bollards, redesigned junctions to reduce turning speeds, new green areas separating pedestrians from traffic with sustainable drainage and road narrowing measures. The project cost was approximately €500,000.

The Safe Routes to School programme was launched in March 2021. Nationally, 932 schools applied. In Wicklow, 14 schools were selected in the first four rounds, with seven now completed including these three today. St. Kevin’s NS in Greystones was completed in 2024, and St. Brigid’s NS is next to progress.

In 2026, €7 million has been allocated to Wicklow County Council for active travel measures, covering SRTS projects, cycle links in Bray, town improvements in Wicklow and Arklow, and pedestrian crossings across all five municipal districts.

Speaking today Tánaiste Simon Harris TD: “I’ve driven past this school gate more times than I can count. So, standing here today, seeing what’s been done, I’m genuinely delighted to see the progress. This is three schools, nearly 2,000 students and a project that’s genuinely worth every euro we’ve put into it.

“I want to thank Joe Lane and the Active Travel team at Wicklow County Council, the principals Deborah Crean, Rita Ní Tuathail and Jacqui Dunne, Hugh McCarthy and the NTA, An Taisce and every parent and student who campaigned for this.

“When kids walk or cycle to school, they arrive healthier, more alert and ready to learn. This is a fantastic amenity for families right across the community…”