Ciarán Cuffe TD, and Minister for Sustainable Transport, today marked National Walk to School Week 2010 by visiting St Brigids Girls National School in Cabinteely.

National Walk to School Week, which runs from Monday 17th to Friday 21st May in Green-Schools across the country, encourages pupils, parents and teachers to walk to school through events such as Walk on Wednesday, Feet First Fridays, sponsored walks and walking fancy dress competitions.

Green Party TD for Dún Laoghaire Ciarán Cuffe said:

"I’m delighted to be here with the students and teachers of St Brigid’s for their Walk on Wednesday event and I'd like to congratulate them on the great work they are doing to develop a walking and cycling culture in the school.

“There are thousands of students and local communities throughout the country getting involved through the Green Schools Travel Programme and really making an effort to leave the car at home.
 
“In the last year, this initiative has seen a 41% increase in the number of schools participating and a 22% decrease in the number of children being driven to school. We're seeing a real change in the way our kids travel to school, which will benefit both their health and the environment."