A rural school community in Butlerstown, Co. Waterford is seeing major benefits from a new active travel initiative designed to make the school journey safer, healthier and more enjoyable for pupils and families.

Community support and local leadership have played a key role in driving behaviour change around Scoil Mhuire National School in Butlerstown, where families are now embracing a “park and stride” approach for the school run.

Parents and guardians park at the nearby church car park before walking the remainder of the journey to the school gates with their children. The initiative has helped reduce traffic congestion outside the school while creating a safer environment for pupils arriving each morning.

Butlerstown active travel

The improvements are also encouraging healthier daily habits, giving children and families a more active start to the day.

Alongside the practical safety benefits, the Active Travel works have helped strengthen the sense of place and identity within the local community, enhancing the overall front-of-school experience for everyone using the area.

The project highlights how collaboration between schools, families and the wider community can lead to lasting positive change, particularly in rural areas where traffic and accessibility can present ongoing challenges.

This project is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Active Travel, NTA and Safer Routes to School.