Pictures/LCC: Teacher Louise Clarke and junior and senior pupils from Dundalk Grammar School, at the launch of Park ‘n’ Stride in Dundalk
Dundalk Park ‘n’ Stride is being promoted during Irish Road Safety Week, with Dundalk Grammar School encouraging families to take part in the scheme.
The school has joined Louth County Council, An Garda Síochána and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in promoting the initiative during Road Safety Week, which runs from 5th to 11th October.
Park ‘n’ Stride allows registered parents and guardians to park at designated locations before completing the final part of the journey to school on foot.
Registered vehicles can avail of up to one hour of free parking between 8.30 am and 9.30 am and another hour between 1pm, and 4pm.
Easing congestion at school gates
Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
“Road Safety Week provides an important opportunity to remind us of the role we all play in keeping our roads safe. Park ‘n’ Stride is a simple but effective initiative that can help reduce congestion around schools, improve safety for pupils and encourage healthy habits through walking. I encourage families across Dundalk to consider taking part.”
Caralyn Ferris, Principal of Dundalk Grammar Junior School, said reducing the number of cars immediately outside schools could make morning and afternoon journeys easier.
“Children travelling to school by car can contribute to increased congestion outside the school in the mornings and afternoons. A short walk from a designated Park ‘n’ Stride location can help ease traffic bottlenecks at the school gates while also incorporating valuable physical activity into daily routines.”
Garda Darragh Prior of the Community Policing Unit also backed the scheme.
“Using the designated Park ‘n’ Stride car parks can help reduce congestion around schools, making these areas safer for children. It can also reduce the stress associated with trying to find parking close to the school.”
Junior and senior pupils from Dundalk Grammar School with, from left, Noel Treanor, Active Travel, Louth County Council; Hannah McDonnell, President, Dundalk Chamber; Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer, Louth County Council; and Garda Darragh Prior, Community Policing Unit, at the launch of Park ‘n’ Stride in Dundalk.
Where can families park?
Louth County Council currently lists the following participating locations in Dundalk:
- Lidl Car Park, Avenue Road
- Lidl Car Park, St Helena’s Terrace
- Tesco Extra Car Park
- McEntee Avenue Car Park
- Rogers Car Park
- Dundalk Library Car Park
- Rampart Road Car Park
- Meadow Grove Car Park
- Aura Leisure Car Park
- St Joseph’s Redemptorist Car Park
- Linenhall Street Car Park
- Duffy’s Car Park
- Boyd’s Car Park
- Longwalk Shopping Centre Car Park
A valid Park ‘n’ Stride permit must be displayed in the vehicle.
Noel Treanor, Senior Executive Engineer in Louth County Council’s Active Travel Section, said walking the final part of the school journey could also help children build active travel and road safety habits.
“Initiatives such as Park ‘n’ Stride and the Safe Routes to School programme can encourage people to incorporate more active travel into their daily journeys. Walking the final part of the journey to school can support children’s physical health, contribute to environmental sustainability and help them develop important road safety awareness and skills.”
Dundalk Chamber President Hannah McDonnell said the scheme could also have wider benefits for the town centre.
“The Chamber is pleased to support this initiative, which benefits schools, families and the wider community. By encouraging people to park in designated locations and walk the remainder of their journey, Park ‘n’ Stride can help reduce congestion while also creating opportunities for people to make use of local businesses and services.”
Families can register for the scheme through Louth County Council’s Park ‘n’ Stride page.
Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer with Louth County Council, discusses road safety with junior and senior pupils from Dundalk Grammar School during the launch of Park ‘n’ Stride in Dundalk.
