'You don't have to be an Olympian to be health smart' was the message from the Irish Heart Foundation at the launch of two new on-campus walking routes in Dublin City University by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise Ó Muirí.

The latest initiative was also backed by DCU Olympian sports star Laura Reynolds and World Champion race walkers Kate Veale and James Treanor, in support of the charity's drive to help students and local residents of Albert College Park 'walk the walk' and get their hearts pumping.

DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith, said that keeping fit and healthy is essential for our quality of life. "DCU is happy to play its part in encouraging the health and wellbeing of our campus and neighbouring community. While our student Olympic athletes are at the high end of the fitness spectrum, we hope to welcome students, staff and members of our local community, of every fitness level, to use the Slí na Sláinte on the DCU campus. We paid particular attention to the design of the route, and we have come up with a walk that will be safe and will provide an interesting and visually stimulating walk for everyone. We would encourage everyone to incorporate walking and exercise into their daily routine", he said.

According to the Irish Heart Foundation, at least half of Irish adults are not active enough for heart health and do not meet the nationally recommended 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week or more. By launching two new 'Slí na Sláinte' (pathway to health) walking routes on DCU college grounds, the heart health charity aims to make it easier for hundreds of students, staff and the local community to achieve 30 minutes of brisk walking in their everyday routine.

Barry Dempsey, Chief Executive of the Irish Heart Foundation said, "We hope that students, staff and local residents to the area will get great enjoyment and benefit from our new Slí na Sláinte routes. Getting active makes such a big difference to your heart and overall health, helping to reduce blood pressure and manage weight, as well as reducing stress and easing back pain. By having clearly marked and safe walking routes, we aim to make it easier for people to get active as part of their normal day".

DCU has planted two hawthorn trees at the DCU entrance to the park to mark the launch.

Lord Mayor Naoise Ó Muiri said, "Dublin City Council will work to develop, design and implement programmes and projects to encourage the citizens of Dublin City to get physically active. This will bring many benefits in future to society by improving the health of our people and encouraging social interaction and inclusion"

Slí na Sláinte is the unique health promotion initiative by the Irish Heart foundation designed to encourage people to get walking and to date there are 180 routes in towns and communities nationwide. The latest additions to the Slí na Sláinte network are located within the university campus grounds (1.7km) and the adjacent Albert College Park (1.8km) with routes clearly laid out on a map board outside the Helix Theatre and the park itself. Both routes are suitable for all levels of walker and are supported by DCU and the Parks and Landscape Services Division, Dublin City Council.

To Download the Slí na Sláinte information flyer please click here .