As part of European Mobility Week, a Car Free Day will be held at IDA’s Mervue Business and Technology Park on Tuesday, September 18. Staff at the business park are encouraged to choose ‘Smarter Travel’ options and to try commuting by walking, cycling, public transport or car-sharing where possible, leaving their car at home on the day.
A number of events are planned for the day as follows:
— Everyone who chooses to travel sustainably or is interested in learning more about Smarter Travel is invited to visit the ‘Smarter Travel Hub’ which will be located outside IDA Ireland’s office from 07:30-10:00 and during lunchtime. Rewards will be presented to those who travel sustainably on the day.
— A bike mechanic from Velocity Bike Store, Oranmore will provide free bike servicing – bring your bike before 10:00 to avail of this service.
— A puncture repair masterclass by An Meitheal Rothair will be held at 12:15 and 13:15 at the ‘Smarter Travel Hub’.— Croí Galway will provide health information and information about the charity’s community activities at lunchtime.
— To wrap up the day, a free fitness class will be offered by personal trainer Enda Gaffney, and owner of the Salthill Sportsdome, on the front lawns of the business park at 17:15.
Everyone who visits the ‘Hub’ on the day will be eligible to enter a draw for great prizes including bike shop vouchers.
Commuting sustainably has many benefits. Getting enough physical activity is essential to maintain good health and walking or cycling to work can be a great way to fit more physical activity into busy lifestyles.
For the wider community, the benefits include reduced congestion, reduced carbon emissions, reduced air and noise pollution and safer roads – all key objectives of the transport strategy for Galway City.
IDA Ireland’s Regional Business Development Manager for the West Region, Catherina Blewitt said IDA Mervue Business and Technology Park is a key asset in the West Region’s portfolio.
“The results of the Smarter Travel plan highlight many areas for improving the use of sustainable means of travel which will benefit the employees of the Park as well as meet wider transport objectives.
“We hope this event will encourage people to think about different ways of travelling to work and we look forward to working with our clients to develop Smarter Travel thinking for all,” she said.
