The Portlaoise Travel Cluster Project has set a national precedent by becoming the first initiative in Ireland to unite all schools within a town under the Green-Schools Travel theme. This innovative collaboration aims to make school journeys safer, healthier, and more sustainable for students across Portlaoise.
On November 7th, 50 students and teachers from six local primary schools came together at the Council Chambers for the Portlaoise Travel Cluster Project Forum. Facilitated by Green-Schools Travel Officers Michèle Castiaux and Chiara Hanrahan, the forum provided a platform for students to share their experiences from October's "Walk to School" week and plan future events. One of the key highlights will be the town-wide launch of the weekly WOW (Walk on Wednesday) day on December 11th.
Secondary schools step up
On November 27th, 28 students from the four secondary schools participating in the Portlaoise Travel Cluster Project gathered for their forum. With just two weeks to go, they began planning how their schools would promote and execute the town-wide WOW launch on December 11th. A highlight of this initiative is the Santa Stroll, where Laois Chamber Alliance will play a key role by encouraging local businesses to support and motivate their staff to participate in this festive, community-driven event.
A collaborative push for sustainability
Supported by Laois County Council, the Portlaoise Travel Cluster Project integrates the Green-Schools Travel theme across ten mainstream schools in town. The project employs well-established methods from the national Green-School Travel programme, including;
- Travel Audits: Assessing current travel habits
- Student Surveys: Gaining insights into preference and barrier to sustainable travel
- Workshops and mapping exercises: Educating students about eco-friendlt travel options.
Building on past success
The project builds upon the findings of the 2020–2021 School Sustainable Travel Study, also funded by Laois County Council. This study identified strategies to enhance sustainable travel within Portlaoise schools, and the Travel Cluster Project represents a direct implementation of those recommendations.
With the enthusiastic involvement of students, schools, local businesses, and community stakeholders, the Portlaoise Travel Cluster Project is a shining example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change.
