The North Dublin beauty spot of Dollymount Strand is a no-go area for motorists today and is being reserved for pedestrians and the environmentally friendly for a car-free celebration.
Car Free Day for Dollymount Strand is a joint initiative of Dublin City Council and Coastwatch Ireland aimed at promoting and protecting the environment of Bull Island and Dollymount Beach.
The project will be inaugurated by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Dermot Lacey, at North Bull Island at 10.30 a.m. this morning.
"Car Free Day offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Bull Island, which is a wonderful and unique natural amenity close to the city," Mr Declan McCulloch, a spokesman for Dublin City Council, said.
"We're hoping it will promote the protection of the environment, particularly the sand dunes on the beach," he added.
A programme of events is being organised for the day in the vicinity of the beach and the Bull Island Interpretative Centre.
A number of talks will be given throughout the day including a wetland seminar organised by Coastwatch, a lifeguard and life-saving demonstration and a brief rundown of the status of the Dublin Bay sewage treatment scheme by the Dublin city engineer, Mr Pat Fullham.
More light-hearted events include an Eco Treasure Hunt, an Eco Trail walk and prizegiving for coastal crafts made on the day. A parallel series of events will be held in the Natural History Museum, including a guided tour of life in the wetlands.
Visitors to the beach are requested to park their cars on the Causeway Road or take the free shuttle bus, provided courtesy of Dublin Bus, from Clontarf Road DART station.
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