Parking now free on school mornings at busy car park in Waterford city

Waterford City and Council Council has announced that parking is now free on school mornings at a busy car park in Waterford city.

Parents and guardians are now able to avail of free parking at Bolton Street Car Park until 9:30am each morning.

The local authority is implementing the change as a way to encourage parents and children to ‘park and stride’.

The move is also aimed at helping to ease traffic congestion around school gates and create a safer environment for students and the wider community.

The free morning parking will look to build on the council’s recent ‘Safe Routes to School’ works in the Newtown area of the city.

It will also support local schools taking part in ‘Stride to School’, an Active Travel initiative delivered by the council with support from Waterford Sports Partnership.

The initiative encourages students and families to travel more actively for the school journey by walking, cycling or parking and striding.

The council says that these small changes can help students build physical activity into their daily routine, while creating a more enjoyable start and finish to the school day.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Liam Brazil, said: “Active travel is a simple way for students and families to build movement into their everyday lives, and initiatives such as ‘Stride to School’ help make that choice easier.

“More active school journeys will reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and noise around schools, creating a better environment for the school communities and the residents living in the surrounding communities.

“We want to support schools and families in making positive changes that benefit the whole community.”

Meanwhile, De La Salle college teacher Emily Harrington outlined the support that the ‘Stride to School’ initiative has received in the local secondary school.

Ms Harrington said: “Stride to School is building momentum here in De La Salle College, and we’re delighted to see more of our students and families getting involved.

“It’s great to see the whole school community getting behind the initiative and making active travel part of their daily school journey.”

Similarly, Waterpark College teacher Katie Boyle highlighted the benefits of the initiative to her students.

Ms Boyle said: “‘Stride to School’ is a great initiative that promotes student well-being while also helping to reduce traffic on our roads.

“Our students enjoy the fresh air and the opportunity to have a chat before starting their busy school days.”

“We look forward to continuing ‘Stride to School’ at Waterpark College,” she concluded.

The news comes amid recent controversy surrounding school drop-offs in the Newtown area of the city.

Local parents have expressed frustration following the closure of the car park at St Joseph & St Benildus Church to school traffic.

The parish cited safety and insurance concerns as the reasons for the car park closure.

Meanwhile, a planning application for the development of a temporary car park at the former Brooks site on the Newtown Road.