Cycle Right Schools Subsidy Fund (Westmeath)

Cycle Right Schools Subsidy Fund (Westmeath)

Reduce the cost of Cycle Right training and build student confidence with our 2026 subsidy fund for local schools.

Apply for the Cycle Training Subsidy

To better support the Westmeath Road Safety Action Plan and our Climate Action Plan, Westmeath County Council and Westmeath Sports Partnership are proud to offer an enhanced training subsidy.

This initiative aligns with our mission to promote sport countywide, making cycle training more affordable and accessible for every primary school in the county.

Ready to get your school cycling?

Would your school like to apply for the Cycle Right Schools Subsidy Fund?

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 20th March 2026

Apply for the Cycle Training Subsidy

Partners

Westmeath Sports Partnership

The CycleRight Subsidy Scheme supports Westmeath Sports Partnership’s goals by:

  • Increasing children’s participation in safe, active travel
  • Reducing fi nancial barriers for disadvantaged schools
  • Supporting physical literacy and confi dence in cycling
  • Aligning with national road safety, climate action, and sport participation priorities
  • Strengthening inter-agency partnerships across the county
  • Ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, standardised training in schools

Westmeath Climate Action 

Westmeath Climate Action is proud to sponsor this new initiative to educate & equip the children of Westmeath to get on their bikes and improve their own wellbeing while also making a huge contribution to our climate actions efforts. Mullingar is Westmeath’s Decarbonisation Zone and the cycle right programme gives the opportunity to turn our growing active travel infrastructure into positive climate action. By offsetting training costs, the scheme empowers residents to safely utilize the zone’s expanding cycle networks, directly reducing local transport emissions in line with Westmeath’s 2030 climate targets.

Road Safety - Westmeath County Council

This scheme is consistent with the actions within the Westmeath Road Safety Action Plan specifically the commitment to promote and support an expanded Cycle Right training programme

Terms & Conditions

  1. Application Process
  • All subsidies must be applied for through the official online application form.
  • Only recognised primary schools in Westmeath may submit applications.
  • Priority may be given to:
    • 5th & 6th Class pupils
    • DEIS schools
    • Schools located in RAPID / disadvantaged areas
  • Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
  1. Approval of Funding
  • Approval of the subsidy is not automatic and is subject to available funding.
  • Schools will receive confirmation from Westmeath Sports Partnership (WSP) once approved.
  • Approval allows the school to proceed with booking Cycle Right training with a Cycle Right–registered provider only.
  1. Delivery of Training
  • Schools must book directly with approved Cycle Right trainers (a WSP shortlist will be provided).
  • Training must comply with national Cycle Right standards, including:
    • Garda‑vetted instructors
    • Correct trainer–to–pupil ratios
    • Bike and helmet safety checks
    • On‑road training delivered only where conditions allow
  1. Drawdown of Subsidy
  • The subsidy is payable after training has been completed.
  • To draw down the grant, schools must submit:
    1. Completed evaluation forms (trainer + school feedback)
    2. Attendance list of participating pupils
  • Payment is made directly to the school.
  1. School Responsibilities
  • Ensure pupils participating have parental permission and appropriate equipment (bike/helmet).
  • Facilitate a safe space for training, including access to a suitable yard or quiet road environment.
  • Ensure school staff are present to support behaviour and supervision throughout.
  1. Funding Conditions
  • The subsidy is €5 per participating pupil, unless otherwise communicated by WSP.
  • The subsidy is intended to reduce the per‑child cost of CycleRight training; it may not be used for any other purpose.
  • If the training is cancelled and not rescheduled, the subsidy cannot be claimed.
  1. Reporting & Programme Review
  • WSP reserves the right to request further information for audit purposes.
  • Participation data may be used (non‑personally identifiable) for reporting to the Department of Transport, Road Safety Section, or Climate Action Office.
  1. Compliance
  • By submitting an application, schools agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions and with the Cycle Right programme standards.