Local authorities are meeting in Portlaoise today to discuss plans for European Car Free Day next September.
Car Free Day takes place simultaneously throughout all participating European countries on Wednesday, September 22nd.
Last year, over 1500 towns and cities across Europe took part in the event, including Dublin, Galway, Tralee, Limerick and Waterford. Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann, DART and the Rail Procurement Agency all supported the event.
The planning meeting is being hosted by Sustainable Energy Ireland, who alongside the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Transport, supported participating Local Authorities last year. Issues being addressed at the meeting include themes for the day and funding options available to local authorities.
Speaking at the meeting in Portlaoise, Mr Tom Halpin, Sustainable Energy Ireland said: "Car Free Day is about planting a seed in the minds of people that there are alternatives to the car. We all recognise that excessive dependence on cars in cities and towns brings many disadvantages to all. I would encourage as many Irish towns and cities as possible to participate this year".