Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 593: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of his Department's last car free day campaign; the audited outcome of the campaign; his views on whether there has been value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17735/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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A total of €131,500 was provided in 2007 by my Department in support of various local authority initiatives to mark mobility week. A programme of activities was organised by both Cork City Council and Dublin City Council, including events such as walking and cycling tours, and exhibitions. Over 500 cyclists took part in the biggest bicycle parade ever in Cork, which was followed by a street festival.

In Town Without My Car Day, previously known as Car Free Day, took place on the 22 September and for the first time in nearly a decade a number of streets in Dublin City Centre were closed to traffic and family friendly events were hosted to encourage families to come into the city by public transport. Other Local Authorities as well as the Dublin Transportation Office also received funding for their initiatives.

I am satisfied that the funding provided in 2007 represented good value for money in terms of highlighting the principles of mobility week and car free day, not least in relation to the importance of transport in cities from both sustainable planning and climate change perspectives. The theme for 2008 mobility week is Clean Air for All and I am currently examining how events to mark the week can be strengthened in light of the success in 2007.