Menu
02/10/2013
£1.2m Invested In Sustainable School Transport
£1.2m has been invested in a sustainable transport initiative to encourage children to walk and cycle to school.
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy and the Public Health Agency jointly launched the Active School Travel Initiative today.
The scheme is funded by the Department for Regional Development and the Public Health Agency and will deliver a programme of cycling and walking skills to 180 schools across Northern Ireland over the next three years.
Minister Kennedy was accompanied at the launch by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Mitchell.
Speaking during the launch at St. Joseph's Primary School in East Belfast, the Minister said: "It is important any child cycling or walking to school have the necessary skills to enable them to walk or cycle to and from school safely. Children need to be aware of road space and the potential dangers when crossing roads. We need to invest in giving our children these vital skills and this is why I have asked Sustrans to deliver this Programme to 180 schools here over the next three years.
"I would like to commend pupils and staff at both St Joseph's and Strandtown primary schools for their huge level of commitment to the Programme. October is International Walk to School Month and it's great to see the number of schools growing who are taking part in sustainable travel activities.
"I would like to see at least 36% of primary school and 22% of post primary schools pupils walking or cycling to school as their main mode of transport by 2015."
Mary Black, Assistant Director of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the Public Health Agency, said: "The Public Health Agency is delighted to support this important new initiative which will really help ensure that more children can take part in physical exercise, so important for their growth and development, not to mention the fact that it is good fun.
"Too many of our children do not get enough exercise and this poses real, long term risks to their health and wellbeing."
Director for Sustrans in Northern Ireland Gordon Clarke added: "The enthusiasm from the schools shows there is great potential to embed a culture of active travel in our schools and young people, developing healthy habits for a lifetime. Pupils, their parents and the communities around the schools will be healthier and more active, while learning how to navigate roads safely."
(IT/JP)
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy and the Public Health Agency jointly launched the Active School Travel Initiative today.
The scheme is funded by the Department for Regional Development and the Public Health Agency and will deliver a programme of cycling and walking skills to 180 schools across Northern Ireland over the next three years.
Minister Kennedy was accompanied at the launch by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Mitchell.
Speaking during the launch at St. Joseph's Primary School in East Belfast, the Minister said: "It is important any child cycling or walking to school have the necessary skills to enable them to walk or cycle to and from school safely. Children need to be aware of road space and the potential dangers when crossing roads. We need to invest in giving our children these vital skills and this is why I have asked Sustrans to deliver this Programme to 180 schools here over the next three years.
"I would like to commend pupils and staff at both St Joseph's and Strandtown primary schools for their huge level of commitment to the Programme. October is International Walk to School Month and it's great to see the number of schools growing who are taking part in sustainable travel activities.
"I would like to see at least 36% of primary school and 22% of post primary schools pupils walking or cycling to school as their main mode of transport by 2015."
Mary Black, Assistant Director of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the Public Health Agency, said: "The Public Health Agency is delighted to support this important new initiative which will really help ensure that more children can take part in physical exercise, so important for their growth and development, not to mention the fact that it is good fun.
"Too many of our children do not get enough exercise and this poses real, long term risks to their health and wellbeing."
Director for Sustrans in Northern Ireland Gordon Clarke added: "The enthusiasm from the schools shows there is great potential to embed a culture of active travel in our schools and young people, developing healthy habits for a lifetime. Pupils, their parents and the communities around the schools will be healthier and more active, while learning how to navigate roads safely."
(IT/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
12 May 2023
Parents And Children Urged To 'Leave The Car And Walk To School'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has appealed for parents and children to 'leave the car at home and walk to school'. Ahead of Walk To School Week (15-19 May), the PHA has highlighted statistics that show almost two thirds (65%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while around a quarter – only 26% – walk.
Parents And Children Urged To 'Leave The Car And Walk To School'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has appealed for parents and children to 'leave the car at home and walk to school'. Ahead of Walk To School Week (15-19 May), the PHA has highlighted statistics that show almost two thirds (65%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while around a quarter – only 26% – walk.
11 August 2016
Fire At L'Derry Primary School Being Treated As Suspicious
A fire at a L'Derry primary school is believed to have been started deliberately. The fire at the Good Shepherd Primary School, in the Waterside area of the city, was reported shortly before 8pm on Wednesay night, 10 August.
Fire At L'Derry Primary School Being Treated As Suspicious
A fire at a L'Derry primary school is believed to have been started deliberately. The fire at the Good Shepherd Primary School, in the Waterside area of the city, was reported shortly before 8pm on Wednesay night, 10 August.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
