CORK county ranks number one amongst rural local authorities in terms of delivering the Safe Route to Schools programme, writes Jackie Keogh.

Senior executive engineer John Slattery told Western Division councillors that five new projects are in line for completion as part of the third and fourth round of funding.

First up is Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin in Clonakilty, followed by Rath National School in Baltimore, St James National School in Durrus, St Mary’s Primary School in Rosscarbery and St Multose National School in Kinsale.Cllr Gillian Coughlan (FF) said the school in Ballinspittle also needs a safe route to school scheme, but Mr Slattery advised that any school needing a scheme in their area should make a formal application when the scheme reopens.Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire) reminded council officials that he had recently tabled a motion calling for this as there are at least 1,000 young people travelling to and from these schools during the week and they needed to be protected.

Meanwhile Cork County Council’s Sustainable Travel Unit has applied to develop nine new bus stop shelters in the West Cork and Bandon-Kinsale municipal districts.

Mr Slattery told members that the plan is to develop one bus stop shelter in Innishannon; one at New Road Bandon, as well as Riverstick; one at The Miles in Clonakilty; one at Market Street and another at North Street in Skibbereen; one near the Bantry Bay Hotel; one in Schull; and one at the Dursey Island Cable Car.