An eerie calm is expected to fall over the centres of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Portlaoise on Friday September 22nd when these areas take part in Ireland's first Car Free Day.
Cars will not be allowed into the town and city centres and commuters will be encouraged to take buses, bicycles or any other form of transport. It is estimated that a quarter of all morning rush-hour journeys in Dublin are less than a mile, so many people could take the healthy option and walk.
Noise levels are expected to drop by 30 per cent on the day while air pollution should fall by 30-50 per cent, according to the event co-ordinator, Mr Brian Motherway of the Irish Energy Centre.
"The streets will be much quieter and you will certainly experience cleaner air," he said.
It is understood that Dublin motorists will be barred from areas such as O'Connell Street, Westmoreland Street, College Green and Dame Street. Buses and taxis will be allowed.
Entertainment including music and face-painting will be provided in the five cities and towns and demonstrations of alternative vehicles such as the electric bicycle will be given.
Mr Motherway said the focus of the event was to allow people to enjoy their city and town streets without traffic disruption.
If someone insists on driving a car into town, he or she will be met by a road barrier and a garda. Mr Motherway said the event was a success in France and Italy where it has run for two years. "Some people were calling for it every week or every month," he said. According to Mr Motherway, traders did not report a fall in business and companies did not note any increased absenteeism.
The Dublin Transportation Office estimates that, if just 1 per cent of Dublin commuters gave up their cars, up to £25 million would be saved in congestion costs.
