The Santa Stroll was part of the Portlaoise School Travel Cluster Project, marking the first-ever town-wide WOW event in Ireland. Students and parents embraced the festive spirit, donning Santa hats, Christmas lights, and tinsel scarves. Bells jingled as a wave of walkers filled the streets, creating a magical and climate-friendly start to the school day.
Karen Moore, Community Climate Action Officer at Laois County Council, praised the event, stating:
“The Santa Stroll was a powerful demonstration of how small changes can have a big impact on our community. Seeing so many families walking together with joy and purpose was truly inspiring.”
Also present to support the event were Michèle Castiaux and Chiara Hanrahan, Travel Officers from An Taisce Green-Schools; Sam Mc Leod Environmental Awareness Officer at Laois County Council. Community Gardaí Aran Grehan and Ronan Maher also lent their support, joining students and staff in the Santa Stroll festivities.
Following this festive launch, WOW days will continue every Wednesday as part of the Portlaoise Schools Cluster Project, a two-year initiative supported by Laois County Council Climate Action Section and delivered by Green-Schools Travel. The program aims to ease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance road safety while promoting physical and mental well-being.
Students have embraced WOW days and are now calling on adults to adopt the same practice for their work commutes.
The WOW day will continue in all 10 schools every Wednesday as part of the Portlaoise Schools Cluster Project. With students leading the way, Portlaoise is already seeing the benefits of fewer cars, cleaner air, and a closer-knit community.
