Council backs EU Mobility Week
Published: 24 April, 2009
Sinn Féin Councillor, Thérèse Ruane, welcomes the unanimous approval of members of Castlebar Town Council for her proposal to participate in European Mobility Week in September of this year.
European Mobility Week (EMW) takes place from 16 - 22 September each year and has its origins in European Car Free Day which Ireland has consistently supported and participated in since 2000. EMW has developed into a week of activities and aims to raise awareness about climate change, decreasing standards of air quality, road safety and sustainable urban transport.
Thérèse Ruane said:
"This is a very positive step. For the first time, Castlebar Town will participate in this innovative scheme. This is about rethinking our town in a new light and is a great opportunity to stimulate discussion and debate on the environment and sustainable transport in Castlebar and Mayo."
"At the core of this week is the concept of 'In Town without my Car Day' on Tuesday 22 September. People will be supported and encouraged to come into town to work, to school, to shop without your car. We hope to liaise with employers and people in their workplaces, with colleges and schools, to promote car pooling, cycling, walking, and using public transport.
"Another possibility is to set aside areas of the town for pedestrians, cyclists for a day. This is an ideal opportunity to flag and showcase recent developments in the town such as the Main St. Development, the river walk and Lough Lannagh Walks. Other towns in previous years have organised street events, seminars, walking buses to school, alternative transport competitions."
"Look the list is endless; it's about using our imagination to see and promote Castlebar in a different way."
"Many people and organisations have already expressed their interest and enthusiasm about taking part in this project. This project has great potential to bring community groups, youth organisations, businesses, local authorities, schools, etc., together to work in partnership and collaborate on a project that will promote Castlebar as a pioneer in terms of the environment, climate change and building a sustainable future."
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