19-05-2025
Wheelie great! start to the school day for Bike Week at Scoil Aonghusa
The highlight of the day was an early morning group cycle to school, where students set off from Our Lady of Lourdes Car Park and pedalled their way to the school gates at Sunday's Gate, Moneymore. On arrival, the young cyclists were greeted with some well-earned goodies at the finish line, including bottles, armbands and saddle covers, to reward their efforts.
Over the past year, the area around Scoil Aonghusa has undergone a significant transformation, involving a comprehensive package of safety and accessibility upgrades. Safety works included the removal of outdated road signage and pedestrian guardrails, the installation of a raised table and 'School Street' outside the school gates, and the addition of safe pedestrian crossing points. New warning signage, traffic-calming crossing zones, high-friction surfacing to improve traction, and demountable pencil bollards to help delineate pedestrian areas were also installed. As a result of these improvements, the area to the front of the school has been significantly transformed into a safer and more welcoming space for students, parents, and other road users.
Local councillors praised the initiative for its impact. "It's great to see students from around the county out on their bikes, especially during Bike Week,' said Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathoirleach of Louth County Council. 'The Safe Routes to School Programme not only ensures safer passage for our students but also encourages a culture of walking and cycling and the work that has been carried out at Scoil Aonghusa in Drogheda, and St Louis Secondary School in Dundalk, is a positive step forward for the county in terms of promoting safety and sustainability."
Cllr Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda, added: "The Safe Routes to School Programme is a brilliant example of how small changes can make a big difference, and you can really see that at Scoil Aonghusa.
'The front of the school is not just safer, it's a livelier, more welcoming space. It used to be a bit of a bottleneck with cars everywhere, but now you've got kids walking and cycling to school, and it's great to see.'
David Hanratty, Acting Director of Services, Louth County Council, said: 'The Safe Routes to School Programme is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration between local authorities, the National Transport Authority, An Taisce, and the Department of Transport, and, by working together, we're not only improving safety around schools but also supporting healthier, more active lifestyles.'
The enhancements delivered at Scoil Aonghusa are among several projects underway across the county as part of Louth County Council's broader commitment to Active Travel and sustainable, child-friendly infrastructure.
