Navan schoolkids set new record with longest 'walking bus' for Smarter Travel campaign

More than 1,400 pupils from 10 Navan primary schools marched their way into the record books on Monday when they participated in Ireland's longest-ever 'walking bus'. Some 1,454 children from second class up to sixth class departed from the Fair Green and made their way around the town to set the record for Ireland's longest walking bus measuring 216.8m. The record attempt was part of Navan Town's Council's initiative to promote the town's bid in the Smarter Travel Competition. Navan is one of 11 town's shortlisted in the Department of Transport Smarter Travel competition and has the chance to share €50m in funding over the next five years. An integral part of the town's bid is getting the local community involved and finding out their ideas on how the town should develop in terms of sustainable transport. Pupils from St Oliver's NS, St Paul's NS, Scoil Mhuire, Gael Scoil Eanna, St Anne's NS, St Joseph's NS, St Stephen's NS, St Mary's Special School, Scoil Naomh Eoin and Navan Educate Together, gathered at the Fair Green on Monday morning and were entertained by 'Fame: The Musical' finalist Sean Carey from Dunshaughlin. Several children from the different schools also took the mike from MC Dudley Farrell to perform songs such as 'The Climb', 'Valerie', 'Hallelujah' and 'The Wild Rover'. Each school cheered as they marched behind their banner as they travelled on their 'walking bus' along Circular Road, Railway Street, Trimgate Street, Market Square, Ludlow Street, Church Hill and back to the Fair Green. The greatest cheer of all was reserved for the news that they were to have no homework for the evening. Not only did Navan set the record for the longest walking bus in the country, but with 1,454 'passengers'. Navan Mayor Cllr Joe Reilly said: "The Smarter Travel Initiative is a huge opportunity to change Navan for the better. I wish to thank the parents for allowing the children come and we are asking the parents to support this bid as much as the children have. It could be worth up to €15m for the town over five years if we win." Navan Town Clerk Shane Donnelly said this initiative "helped to demonstrate the commitment of the primary schools in Navan to create a safer, healthier, greener and a more attractive Navan". He added that this record was another first for Navan and everybody should be extremely proud of their achievement. Mr Donnelly paid tribute to the principals, parents/volunteers and, most importantly, the children from each of the participating schools who worked tirelessly with the council, Gardai and the Civil Defence to make sure that the event was the best it could be. "Thanks also to the staff of Navan Town Council who took part in the event; An Garda Siochana, in particular Inspector Martin Smethers, Sgt Brian Dineen and Sgt Ronan Farrelly, and the Meath Civil Defence headed by Michael Fitzsimons. Without them all, it would not have been possible," he said. Navan will submit its stage two bid in the Smarter Travel Competition on Friday and this will include various initatives it would progress if the town was successful in receiving funding. Local people were encouraged to give their opinions on the future of sustainable travel in Navan by filling out a questionaire on www.navansmartertravel.ie. Ideas submitted form part of Navan Town Council's bid in the competition. The next stage will see an interview process during the last two weeks of May and the winners are expected to be announced in June or July.