Vol. 508 No. 2
131 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if Ireland was asked to participate in the car free day on 22 September 1999; if it is his intention that Ireland will participate in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18450/99]
Ireland was invited to participate in a European Car Free Cities Day on 22 September 1999. Having consulted with relevant Departments, local authorities and other concerned organisations, it was considered that excluding cars from Irish cities on that day was not feasible for practical operational, logistical and resource reasons. However, during Energy Awareness Week, from 19 to 25 September 1999 drivers were advised of the benefits of alternative modes of transport and encouraged voluntarily to use public transport or modes of transport other than their cars. I will consider Irish participation in any future events of this kind on their merits and with regard to prevailing circumstances.
