By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
A purpose-built facility to equip children to learn the skills to cycle safely on public roads was officially opened on Friday morning at the Learn To Cycle Park at Enniscorthy.
Believed to be the first of its kind in the country, the project was the brainchild of former Enniscorthy-based District Manager, Ger Mackey, and is located opposite the Enniscorthy Sports Hub and the Community Allotments at Gort Na Gréine, near the Ross Road roundabout.
“It will allow children to develop safe cycling skills in a safe and realistic environment,” said Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who was one of the driving forces behind the project. He thanked all the local authority staff associated with the completion of the project.
Cllr Browne performed the official ribbon cutting ceremony in the presence of Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, John O’Rourke, Cathal Byrne and Jackser Owens, CEO of Wexford County Council, Mr Tom Enright, Claire Lawlor, Enniscorthy District Manager, Council officials and engineers, children from St. Aidan’s Primary School, Enniscorthy, and staff from Sheilbaggin Outdoor Pursuits in association with WEETB.
The park is cleverly laid out with mini versions of two-lane roads complete with roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, crossroads, junctions and traffic light stops.
It is funded by Sláintecare and Enniscorthy Municipal District. The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme (SHCP) is a new initiative, led by Sláintecare and Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health and delivered locally by Wexford County Council.
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