Car Free Day uses art and play to foster alternatives

CAR FREE Day takes place across Europe today and motorists can expect some diversions across towns and cities in Ireland.

In Dublin there will be road closure at Merrion Square West, the Gallery side from 7am to 7pm for a family fun day in the park.

There will be a presentation by the Road Safety and Training Unit of Dublin City Council. A competition is being run with a prize of a bicycle. All entrants will receive a hi-visibility jacket.

There will also be a market area (11am to 7pm) with a variety of hot and cold foods available. Live music will be provided between noon and 3.30pm.

An artist has been commissioned to create a mandala, which is similar to the Tibetan sand paintings. This piece will incorporate various Tibetan symbols associated with the theme for European mobility week - Clean Air For All.

The Dublin Transportation Office and Dublin Bus will also help animate the area by having information stands and giving advice as regards tax-saving schemes and One Small Step, the campaign to encourage alternatives to the use of the car.

In Ballymun the Green Transport Challenge which starts at 8am at the Civic Centre on Ballymun's Main Street will see people travel to Dublin city centre in as fast a time as possible.

The bus and bicycle will be pitted against the car, in a challenge to cross the finish line at the Department of Transport offices in Kildare Street.

Dublin Bus is providing free return tickets to Ballymun commuters boarding the bus on the day from 8am to 10am.

Aoife Flynn, youth co-ordinator of Global Action Plan, said "Ballymun is rising to the challenge of European Car Free Day . . . GAP, along with Ballymun Regeneration Limited, are encouraging people in Ballymun to get out of their cars and use more environmentally friendly methods of transport."