Alternative transport to be available to motorists

In Cork motorists will not be allowed access to the streets on the central island of Cork city - the area between the channels of the Lee, and stretching from the Grattan Street area down to Parnell Place.

Access to all multi-storey car parks will be maintained. Buses, taxis, emergency vehicles and disabled drivers' vehicles will continue to have access to all parts of the city.

A Park and Ride facility will operate every 10 minutes from Victoria Cross beside the Kingsley Hotel, serving the city centre. No on-street parking will be permitted in the car-free zone.

The restrictions will apply to traffic from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. except for Patrick Street and Grand Parade which will be restricted only between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.

Deliveries will have full access via Patrick Street and Grand Parade except for a three-hour period between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

In Galway an "exclusion zone" will be set up in the city centre area from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. A free Park and Ride service is being provided from the car park beside Atlantaquaria at Toft Park, with access to the city via Merchants Road to Eyre Square every 15 minutes.

Bus Eireann will run a half-fare service on all routes between 9.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. while City Direct will offer a flat fare of 50p and provide a service from the Ballymoneen Road every 15 minutes from 7.45 a.m. to 10.45 a.m. and from 14.45 p.m. to 18.30 p.m.

Demonstrations of alternative forms of transport will also take place in Eyre Square during the day.

Limerick city centre will be closed to traffic from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Streets closed include O'Connell Street from William Street to Glentworth Street and adjoining side streets between Henry Street and Catherine Street. Parking restrictions will be in place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the closed streets and on William Street, Upper Gerald Griffin Street, Parnell Street, parts of Hyde Road, Carey's Road, Mallow Street and Henry Street.

A comment line has been set up in Limerick for the public to air their views on the car-free initiative. It can be accessed by phoning 1-800-216-816.

Laois County Council has asked those who live and work in Portlaoise to walk, cycle or even rollerblade to work. Those who live outside the town are being encouraged to take part in a carpooling arrangement.

The council has invited locals to face-painting sessions, lunchtime guided walks from the County Hall at 12.45 p.m., fire shows in the afternoon, a craft and produce fair in Hynds Square, and music sessions in the Main Street.

A free bus service will operate on James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Timahoe Road, Meelick, Abeyleix Road, Knockmay Industrial Estate, Mountrath Road, Mountmellick Road, Railway Street, Borris Road, Colliers Lane, Dublin Road and Stradbally Road.