WATERFORD LAUNCHES CIVIC DOLLARS TO REWARD HEALTH AND WELLBEING AS PART OF THE HEALTHY WATERFORD PROGRAMME
Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership has officially launched Civic Dollars as part of its Healthy Waterford programme and Active Cities Project – a new initiative designed to encourage residents to enjoy the city and county’s parks and open spaces while improving health, wellbeing, and community connection.
The Civic Dollars app rewards people for spending time outdoors in designated “earn zones” across Waterford. For every 30 minutes spent in these areas, users earn Civic Dollars which can then be exchanged for rewards from participating local businesses or donated to community organisations and charities.
The initiative supports the Healthy Waterford vision of making the county a healthier, happier place to live by promoting physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social engagement. And also Waterford Sports Partnerships vision of Active People, Active Place, by encouraging people to get outdoors and be active.
Launching the programme, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, said: “This is a fantastic initiative that encourages people to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful parks and green spaces. Civic Dollars gives us a creative way to support physical and mental wellbeing while also boosting our local businesses and community groups. It’s about building a stronger, healthier Waterford for everyone.”
Eoin Morrissey, Healthy Waterford Coordinator, added: “Healthy Waterford is about supporting people to live full, active and healthy lives. The introduction of Civic Dollars adds a really engaging and inclusive way for people to make small positive changes that benefit their health and the wider community. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a family outing, or time spent in nature, every minute counts.”
Stephen McPeake, CEO and Founder of Civic Dollars, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership and the Healthy Waterford team to launch Civic Dollars in the county. This programme builds on our work across Ireland and internationally – from Donegal to Denmark to the USA – showing how rewarding people for simply spending time outdoors can have a real impact on health, wellbeing, and local economies. Waterford is a perfect place to bring this to life, and we’re excited to see how it helps residents get active and connected.”
The Civic Dollars initiative in Waterford forms part of the Healthy Ireland Framework and reflects the Council’s commitment to promoting physical activity and community wellbeing as part of its Healthy Waterford strategy.
If you would like to find out more about the Civic Dollars Project, please contact Eoin Morrissey eoinmorrissey@waterfordcouncil.ie or Lauren Walsh Kett lwalshkett@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
