Arrests made after protesters block Dublin street

A number of individuals were arrested today after a crowd of environmental activists attempted to block off Dublin’s O’Connell St to traffic.

It is believed the activists assembled at the south end of the street shortly after hundreds of cyclists held a critical mass rally to mark a European-wide ‘Car Free Day’.

Eyewitnesses said there were a number of scuffles between protesters and gardaí and that a number of people were taken away in Garda vans. The gadaí tonight confirmed that five people were arrested.

Environmental groups claim the number of cars on Dublin streets is continuing to rise and is stifling urban mobility and increasing pollution levels.

Earlier today Dublin Corporation urged citizens to leave their car at home today as part of a ‘Car Free Day’.

The ‘In town without my car’ campaign was aimed at encouraging people to look at alternative means of getting around the city and using public transport where possible.

To mark the day there were a number of special events at Customs House Quay and Merrion Square West. Face painting, children’s choirs, salsa and ceile bands kept the ‘car-less’ crowds entertained throughout the day.

There were also a number of free draws for an Electric Bike and two tickets to tomorrow's All-Ireland final.

In addition, Dublin Bus said charged minimum fares of 60p for adults and 40p for children, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Six thousand half price family tickets were provided by the Dart Service.

The campaign is centred on three types of measures which it is hoped will encourage the use of alternative forms of transport and travel other than private cars and inform people about the risks connected with pollution. Finally it is hoped that by reducing traffic within restricted areas the image of a town or city will be enhanced for those who live there as well as visitors.