It's hoped that Ireland's first and Dungarvan's newest amenity, a Learn to Cycle track, will be a positive addition to the town in terms of sustainability and accessibility.

The track will allow young children to learn to ride a bike on a ‘real life’ road structure with lines, signs and a pedestrian crossing - but without the traffic. 

The initiative, which is part of the ongoing Smarter Travel programme in Dungarvan, came about through the efforts of Waterford Council, Waterford Sports Partnership, the Road Safety Authority, and Cycling Ireland.

This latest amenity at Fairlane adds to existing play facilities at the Linear Park, which include slides, swings and climbing frames. Additional features are in development which include a BMX pump track, a skate park and a performance area. 

To discuss the Learn to Cycle track more, Damien was joined on Déise Today by Rosarie Kealy from Waterford Sports Partnership and Peter Jones from Waterford Sports Partnership.

Rosarie told Damien that a main function of WASP is to get people active, and it has placed a big emphasis on cycling in recent times, whether that's getting adults back on bikes after many years, or helping children get started. The organisation spearheaded a Balance Bike programme which was run in partnership with schools and childcare providers locally.

Peter Jones added that

The beauty of this Learn to Cycle track  - it's accessible for everybody...this park, when it's fully developed, will look across developing fundamental movement skills for young children, and being accessible for people with a disability as well.

Have a listen to Rosarie and Peter's full conversation with Damien, through the link in this podcast.

And for all Déise podcasts, click here.