Launch of Waterford Walking and Cycling Index shows that 'meaningful change takes time'

The launch of the Waterford Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index 2025 celebrates the incredible progress made by the Council. According to Deputy Mayor, Cllr Lola O’Sullivan, it also strengthens the resolve to build a more active, sustainable, connected and healthier metropolitan area in the county.  

The National Transport Authority has published findings of the latest survey in regards to walking, wheeling and cycling in the county. It was revealed that 78% of residents favour additional investment in walking and wheeling, up from 68% in 2023, while 74% support further investment in cycling, up from 63%. 

The index’s findings show growing public support for active travel, with 51% of adult residents wanting to walk or wheel more, with 32% also wanting to cycle more often. 

The survey goes on to show that 45% of adults in Waterford are walking and wheeling at least five days a week while 12% cycle at least once a week. 86% of residents support building more cycle tracks separate from traffic and pedestrians, which is up from 76% in 2023.

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The Waterford Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index is based on an independent, demographically representative survey of 1,112 residents aged 16 and over from across the area, centred on Waterford City and its suburbs in County Kilkenny. Importantly, it reflects the views not only of those who already walk, wheel or cycle, but of the wider community. 

At the launch of the second ever Walking and Cycling Index in the Medieval Museum, Cllr Lola O’Sullivan said: “The Index demonstrates strong public backing for continued investment in high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure. That support gives us confidence, as elected members and as a local authority, to continue delivering active travel projects that reshape the way we travel and contribute to enhancing our quality of life. 

“Waterford City and County Council recognises that meaningful change takes time and requires ongoing engagement. We remain committed to listening, collaborating and designing inclusive infrastructure that prioritises our most vulnerable road users while also meeting the needs of all road users,” she added. 

Gabriel Hynes, Acting Director of Services of Roads, Water and Environment at Waterford City and County Council also said: “Our ambition is to make Waterford the most sustainable city in the country and active travel is central to achieving that. Every day, people choosing to walk, wheel or cycle instead of driving remove the equivalent of up to 15,000 cars from roads across the Waterford Metropolitan Area. 

“Active travel reduces traffic congestion, supports cleaner air and safer, more liveable streets and gives people of all ages and abilities more choice in how they travel in their communities. Waterford City and County Council plans to build on the growing momentum behind our Active Travel Programme with projects including a segregated cycle facility on the Williamstown Road, improved connections to SETU and the wider Lismore Park, Lisduggan, Larchville area, and an urban greenway linking Waterford City and Tramore,” he concluded. 

Read the Waterford Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index 2025 here: https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/roads-transport/active-travel/