Car ownership and usage in Irish towns and cities have mushroomed over the last eight years, a function of greater prosperity and inefficient, underfunded public transport. Congestion, pollution and lengthening journey times are now staple topics of conversation. But judged by the plans for a second European car free day tomorrow in Dublin and nine other centres the levels of anger and determination to change such deteriorating conditions have not yet reached the same pitch in Ireland as elsewhere in the European Union.
Only some streets will be closed in most places marking the event. In Dublin there will be flat rate bus and rail tickets and activities designed to raise awareness about urban transport issues. There is much to talk about, as anyone suffering the consequences of untrammelled car use can testify. The campaign for a car free day has as its slogan "In town without my car!"
The European organisers are concerned to publicise alternatives, including better-resourced public transport and bicycles, the dangers of pollution (for which private transport is now the chief culprit throughout Europe) and the benefits of a less congested environment.
These alternatives and improvements deserve much greater attention now that Ireland has caught up with its European neighbours in the ownership of cars, but not yet in the business of putting manners on them. While the private car cannot easily be legislated into submission and is in many ways a great boon, the Government and local authorities can prioritise public transport and make it an attractive alternative to driving in the urban environment. But this needs heavy investment and a radical approach to the transport infrastructure.
The promise held out by rerouting and bus lanes - even the LUAS scheme - is only a start to the work needed in the capital city. Other cities and towns have much to learn from Dublin's experience. The idea for a car free day originated in Paris. That city has a deserved reputation for aggressive driving, which has stimulated a militant response by cyclists, roller-bladers, skate boarders and those who use public transport. Irish cities could do with a whiff of that determination.