Meet the passionate advocates driving our Active Travel initiatives forward.
Active Travel Champions
Sean McKeown, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council
The people of Waterford are at the heart of what makes the City and County the best place to live, work, visit and do business. Waterford is committed to becoming the first decarbonised city in Ireland by 2040. To support this goal, we are promoting Active Travel throughout the City and County, encouraging more people to walk or cycle for their daily commutes to places such as work and school.
The Walking and Cycling Index 2023 reports that individuals who walk or cycle in the Waterford Metropolitan Area help reduce the number of cars on the road by nearly 16,000 daily. This shift generates an annual economic benefit of €80.5 million for the area. Furthermore, by walking and cycling instead of driving, residents are preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 61,300 flights from Dublin to London Heathrow.
Waterford’s renowned Greenway now extends into the heart of the city via the Bilberry to City Centre Link. Additionally, a new sustainable transport bridge is under construction across the Suir, connecting the Greenway to the North Docks area and onwards to the South East Greenway to New Ross.
The benefits of Active Travel in the Waterford Metropolitan Area are clear from this report. Waterford City and County Council will continue its efforts to make the city a healthier, more sustainable, and more attractive place for all.
Mayor of Waterford City and County Council Jason Murphy
As Mayor of Waterford City and County, I am delighted to see the impact that Active Travel is having on our city and county.
The reduction in traffic congestion will continue to improve once the Sustainable Travel bridge opens on the North Quays site.
Encouraging our children to walk or cycle to school where possible is being made easier by creating safer routes to schools and improving their sense of road safety.
Overall, Active Travel will reduce carbon emissions, create quicker journeys and improve our physical health.
Dylan White, Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer, Waterford City and County Council
Growing up, I always enjoyed walking and cycling to school and college daily. Incorporating Active Travel into my daily routine has provided many benefits such as enhancing my concentration and giving me a chance to recharge, especially on busy workdays. An added bonus is that it helps me increase my step count and meet my activity goals effortlessly.
Waterford City and County Council’s ambitious Active Travel programme is focused on making walking and cycling more comfortable, convenient and safe. Our projects are designed to the highest standards and deliver multiple benefits – from lowering carbon emissions to promoting healthier lifestyles and revitalising town centres. Active Travel projects such as the extension of the Waterford Greenway from Bilberry into the Clock Tower in Waterford City Centre have already created a positive and lasting impact.
Community involvement is at the core of our efforts. We are committed to engaging with businesses, residents, community organisations and other stakeholders to make Waterford a more attractive, sustainable place for everyone. The Active Travel team is looking forward to meeting you at our public consultations and working together to bring Waterford’s Active Travel programme to life.
Eoin Morrissey, Waterford Healthy City & County Coordinator
Active Travel has a major impact on both our physical and mental well-being. The benefits of walking and cycling go beyond just burning calories.
Engaging in physical activity promotes weight management, builds strength and endurance, and reduces the risk of health problems related to obesity.
It is a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, regular exercise through walking and cycling has been proven to enhance cognitive function, including memory and concentration. It also provides opportunities for social connection and community engagement.
Consider choosing to walk or cycle to work, school or the store – a simple and effective way to improve your health and well-being while contributing to cleaner air, a healthier planet and improving the overall quality of life in your community.
Grainne Kennedy, Climate Action Officer, Waterford City and County Council
Living in Waterford City Centre, the bike is the handiest way for me to get around. I love getting so close to the shops on the bike and I never struggle to find parking.
Waterford’s many hills are great fun to go down, but a bit of effort to get back up. Probably my favourite thing about the bike though is that I get to see the city wake up every day as people start their day.
I’ve cycled for years and access to car share clubs and good bus routes also give me options.
Cian Gill, Climate Action Officer, Waterford City and County Council
The benefits of Active Travel to climate action are many, and the Waterford Climate Action Plan contains actions in support of Active Travel initiatives.
The reduction of reliance on fossil fuel vehicles can be aided by measures which make walking, wheeling and cycling practical and accessible.
With 14% of Waterford’s emissions coming from transport, Active Travel is a key way to approach our climate goals, as well as providing a better quality of life for everyone working, learning and playing in Waterford.
Claire Flavin, Age Friendly Waterford Programme Manager, Waterford City and County Council
Age Friendly Waterford is dedicated to working with older people and stakeholders to ensure that change happens in the most inclusive and impactful way. Enhancing our pedestrian and cycling network helps older people to stay connected, facilitates their participation in society and improves their overall quality of life.
Choosing Active Travel, whenever possible, empowers older people to maintain and improve their physical health and wellbeing as they age.
Older people also have an important voice when it comes to addressing climate change. Their participation in public consultations for Active Travel schemes ensures that their perspectives are included in the decision-making process, contributing to a greener and more sustainable Waterford.
Ovi Matiut, Local Development Officer, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Waterford City and County Council
The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme seeks to address health inequalities and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities in Waterford City.
As a Local Development Officer, I regularly engage with residents across different areas and make a point of cycling for work-related travel. This not only promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports climate action, but also benefits my own health and wellbeing.
I frequently walk or use the city bikes to commute, and I’ve personally experienced the positive impact of staying active on my mental and physical health. I encourage everyone to aim for at least 30 minutes of activity each day as part of your daily journeys—it quickly becomes clear how beneficial it is for overall wellbeing
Lauren Walsh Kett, Active Cities Officer, Waterford Sports Partnership
The Active Cities Project is based on the World Health Organization’s GAPPA Framework, which aims to encourage physical activity among the least active members of society.
As the Active Cities Officer, I am dedicated to making Waterford a lively, active community where people of all abilities are encouraged to move. A key goal of the Active Cities Waterford Project is to boost walking and cycling for transportation, play and recreation.
Waterford Sports Partnership uses a systems-based approach, collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that public spaces in the city and surrounding residential areas are designed to make it easier, safer, more affordable and enjoyable for everyone to stay active, whether for transportation, play or leisure.
Peter Jones, Programme Manager, Waterford Sports Partnership
We’re all starting to ‘get the message’ regarding the importance of exercise on not only our physical health, but also our social and emotional health as well.
The guidelines of 150 minutes of exercise a week or 30 minutes a day for five days seems doable, but for many people life is busy, and our time is precious, and sometimes finding time for ourselves to exercise can be challenging.
This is where we can find solutions that work for us individually. By walking or cycling to work, school or on other daily trips, we can boost our physical activity—and for those living within 5km, you might even reach your destination faster.
Thanks to Active Travel, Waterford is more connected than ever, with safe spaces for walking and cycling. By making a conscious change to our behaviour by cycling or walking for those short journeys or when catching up with friends, you will not only add life to your years, but also add years to your life.
This simple change will make you happier, healthier and more energetic. The choice is up to you!
