Have Your Say on Safe Routes to School Proposals for Ballinteer and Blackrock

We are proposing School Zones outside two schools as part of the Safe Routes to School Programme, and we want to hear your views.

The programme is delivered with the National Transport Authority (NTA). It aims to make it safer and easier for children to walk, cycle and get to school. School Zones are designed to:

• reduce traffic outside school gates
• encourage drivers to slow down near schools
• reduce car drop-offs, pick-ups and engine idling
• make drivers more aware that children are using the area
• create cleaner, safer and more welcoming streets and public spaces

Our Lady’s Girls’ and Boys’ National School, Ballinteer

Proposals include safer walking routes near both school entrances, new and improved walking and cycling facilities, and measures to slow traffic. Outside the Girls’ National School on Ballinteer Avenue, a continuous footpath is proposed across the entrances to the petrol station and church car park. Similar improvements are proposed outside the Boys’ National School on Broadford Rise. A raised zebra crossing, traffic calming, junction improvements, new or upgraded zebra crossings and planting are also proposed.

Dominican College Sion Hill, Blackrock

Proposals include safer walking and cycling routes near the school entrance, a new zebra crossing and other crossing improvements, and measures to slow traffic. Markings and signs would make drivers more aware of the School Zone. Footpaths at nearby side roads would be improved, new planting would be added, and the bus set-down area would move further east of the school.

A 2023 parent survey showed strong support for safety improvements, with more than 9 in 10 parents backing measures to make it safer and easier for children to walk and cycle to school.

Drop-in information sessions

• Our Lady’s Girls’ and Boys’ National School: Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 1 pm to 5 pm, Assembly Hall, Our Lady’s Girls’ and Boys’ National School, Ballinteer
• Dominican College Sion Hill: Friday, 13 November 2026, 1 pm to 5 pm, Assembly Hall, Dominican College, Sion Hill, Blackrock

How to make a submission

The closing date for submissions is Monday, 23 November 2026. You can make a submission:

• online, using the links below
• by post to: Senior Engineer, Active Travel, Infrastructure and Climate Change Department, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 K6C9
• by email to info@dlrcoco.ie, with “Safe Routes to School: Our Lady’s Girls & Boys National School” or “Safe Routes to School: Dominican College Sion Hill” in the subject line

Please include your name and address with your submission. Your comments will be included in the Chief Executive’s report on the consultation, which will be made public and presented to elected members. Your name, email address and postal address will not be included.

Read more and submit your views on Our Lady’s Girls’ and Boys’ National School

Read more and submit your views on Dominican College Sion Hill