Part of Dublin city centre will go car free on Sunday September 22, as part of European Mobility Week.
The initiative, which is being run by Dublin City Council (DCC), will see Custom House Quay open to car-free activities including a cycling skills workshop, games, live entertainment and an outdoor cinema among other activities from 11am to 4pm.
Car Free Day is hosted as the culmination to European Mobility Week, an annual event by the European Commission for Sustainable Urban Mobility. Every year sees a different theme with this year focused on designating urban spaces for pedestrianisation for citizens of cities to congregate.
With over two thirds of Europeans living in urban areasm Car Free Day seeks to tap into and revitalise neglected urban space.
Speaking at the eventm Deputy Lord Mayor Donna Cooney said she is encouraging all Dubliners to take part in the initiative.
“Whether your choice of transport is wheeling, walking or cycling, hopping on a bus, Luas or DART we would really like people of all ages to take some time out to enjoy a family friendly car free day,” she said.
DCC walking and cycling officer Lucy Hayes said that this is a one-time opportunity to avail of a wide-open space free of motor vehicles.
“Car Free Day is a fantastic opportunity for residents of Dublin and beyond to experience the city like never before. Against the backdrop of the gorgeous Custom House Quay, we will literally be bringing fun back into the streets of Dublin,” she said.
“It is also an opportunity to promote the sustainable transport methods we can use in the city as an alternative to cars and experience the benefits of freeing up space on our city’s streets.”
On the day the Custom House Quay will be closed to all traffic from 7am-7pm. Cyclists will be asked to dismount the event area, and cycle parking will be provided.
Buses will divert from Eden Quay to Beresford Place, Memorial Road and back on to the normal route. Similarly, cars will be diverted to Beresford Place, Memorial Road and back on to the North Quays.