Ard Scoil na nDéise in Dungarvan proudly launched its Stride to School initiative on Thursday 16th October, becoming the latest school in the county to join the growing Stride to School network.
Stride to School is part of a wider active travel in schools campaign led by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Waterford Sports Partnership.
As part of the Stride to School network, Ard Scoil na nDéise now stands alongside Dungarvan’s St. Augustine’s College, Tramore’s Ardscoil na Mara and Waterford City’s De La Salle College in promoting active, safe, and sustainable school commuting.
Located near Dungarvan town centre, the school is committed to encouraging more students to walk to school, aiming to ease congestion typically seen during busy drop-off and collection times.
In advance of the launch, a survey of Ard Scoil na nDéise students revealed that 14% of students currently walk to school, 38% take the bus, and the remainder travel by car. Interestingly, 44% of respondents live more than 10km from the school – a challenge Ard Scoil na nDéise is addressing by promoting safe and convenient drop and go locations as part of its Stride to School campaign. These allow students to walk part of the way, while also easing traffic at the school entrance and contributing to a calmer, safer, and healthier environment for both the school and the surrounding area.
Ciara Lucey, Principal at Ard Scoil na nDéise, said: “We are delighted to launch Stride to School and play our part in creating a safer, healthier school community. Even short walks before and after school can make a real difference to students’ focus and wellbeing.”
Julianne Foley and Shauna Kiernan, teachers and Stride to School coordinators at Ard Scoil na nDéise, said: “Our students have shown great enthusiasm in launching this initiative, and we’ve already seen more choosing to walk the last part of their journey. That’s a win for their health and for the atmosphere outside the school gates.”
Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer with Waterford City and County Council, said: “We’re thrilled to work with Ard Scoil na nDéise. Their proactive approach shows how schools can adapt to local challenges in a busy urban area and still prioritise active travel.”
Jordan Kelly, Community Sports Development Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership, said: “The enthusiasm from the students has been fantastic. This initiative supports so much more than physical fitness – it’s about mental wellbeing, social connection, and building a positive routine into the school day.”
Article Modified: October 20, 2025 10:46 am
