KENNY HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DURING MOBILITY WEEK

Posted on September 20, 2012 11:42 AM   |   Permanent Link   

Seán Kenny, the Dublin Bay North Labour TD and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport has highlighted the fact that Dublin is one of the many cities and towns across Europe marking Mobility Week, which promotes and contributes to a climate of sustainable urban transport.

"Mobility Week is a great opportunity to encourage more people to choose public transport. Dublin has made excellent progress in giving people more transport options over the past decade. Improvements in areas like bus corridors and the Luas mean that about half of people coming to work now choose public transport.

"This year saw the opening of the Canal Way Cycle Scheme which removed on-street parking and enhanced the environmental zone along sections of the Grand Canal. Since its opening cycle numbers have almost doubled along the canal to 4,500 per day. Palace Street at the gate of Dublin Castle has recently been made into a pedestrian plaza and the pedestrian area in Clarendon Street has been expanded. The council also plans to expand the Dublin bikes Scheme to Heuston Station and the Docklands in 2013.

"There are a number of events taking place during Mobility Week. PARK(ing) Day Dublin takes place on Friday 21st September from 12pm to 8pm at various locations around the city. Dublin City Council will provide free on street parking spaces to 27 different projects for the day. These spaces will be transformed into urban parks, giant games, animal farms and much much more. From Segway Tours at St. Stephens Green to Giant Scrabble on South William Street, an Urban Jungle at Arbour Hill to a Jazz Club on Chatham Street this global event taking place in Dublin on Friday will have something for everyone.

"On Saturday, 22nd September, from 11.30am to 5pm IN TOWN WITHOUT MY CAR provides a range of activities based around family fun. Picnics and alfresco dining with games and entertainment will make this a day not to be missed. Face painting, balloon making, stilt walking and a historical talk with Pat Liddy, at 3pm, on Dame Court are just a few of the attractions awaiting you in Dublin on Saturday. This event takes place at Dame Court and Fade Street which will be pedestrianised on the day for the event.

"Dublin City Council's improvements in pedestrian and cycling facilities also mean more people have options other than private cars, and I am very pleased that I had my own part to play in this when I was a member of Dublin City Council until last year. People can find out more information on Mobility Week is available at: http://www.mobilityweek.eu and I would encourage everybody to take part in the events that are being held around the City."