Car Free day is a token gesture which fails to address the inadequacy of the public transport system in Ireland, according to Mr Bernard Allen, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central.
"The day is a gesture towards reducing usage of cars in urban areas but without investment in an integrated, efficient public transport system it isn't going to work."
-Mr Allen said that car free day, which was held in Cork on Saturday, was a meaningless attempt to highlight environmental issues without making any concrete changes to improve public transport systems.
"Motorists spoke of their annoyance at the day and the inconvenience it caused.
" What we should do is put more bus lanes and bicycle lanes in place to encourage people not to drive around the city."
Passenger numbers were high on free buses provided by Bus ╔ireann in the city on Saturday with the main thoroughfare, Patrick Street, being closed off to traffic from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Buses, taxis, disabled drivers and green energy vehicles were allowed access to Patrick Street but not to other restricted areas which included the Grand Parade, South Mall, Parnell Place and Merchants Quay.
Cork Cycling Campaign provided a "Bike Doctor" at Daunt's Square while Cork Corporation sponsored free massages from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for pedestrians in the city.
As part of European Car Free day Cork Corporation organised a number of sporting events in the city centre including karate, model racing cars and skateboarding demonstrations.
A spokesperson for Bus ╔ireann said that the company was pleased with the success of the one-day free event as it gave it a chance to showcase its new cleaner and more comfortable buses.
It is estimated that the provision of free buses cost Bus ╔ireann in the region of £10,000.
Car sharing is set to be promoted by Cork radio station 96FM, which plans to give out prizes to commuters who share their car and have a radio station sticker to prove it.
Meanwhile, Cork Green Party councillor Mr Dan Boyle said that car free day was a useful event as it made people conscious of environmental issues.
"I met people on the bus who hadn't used public transport in years. We should be looking at more ways to promote and encourage events like this."
He added that the event was a success as it showed people that there were ways of getting around the city other than in a car.
"Cars don't shop - people shop. The high numbers on free buses prove that people would be prepared to take public transport if it was cheaper."