Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD today launched the One Small Step campaign for the Dublin Transportation Office - a campaign aimed at encouraging car users in Dublin and the surrounding counties to think of cycling, walking or using public transport for a least one trip each week.

Speaking at the launch today Minister Dempsey said "I want to see a world class public transportation system in place in Dublin so that people have a real choice when it comes to moving around our capital city. I want the option of leaving our cars at home for at least some journeys each week to be an attractive possibility for all Dubliners. I want to open up and develop the exciting possibilities for walking and cycling around our beautiful coastline. I plan to develop coastal cycle and pedestrian pathways in Dublin for all to enjoy. I plan to put in place a national safe route to school programme so that school kids can have a healthy alternative when travelling to school. I want to see the development of a national cycle network so that cycling becomes a safe and easy option for people to choose." 

Minister Dempsey added "Under the Government's Transport 21 investment programme billions are being spent on much needed transport infrastructure so that by 2015 commuters all over the country will see a radical transformation in how we all travel. While this work under Transport 21 to transform our country continues I want to see all Government agencies and Departments working more closely with the public to ensure that where possible options exist for those who want to leave their cars at home even for short journeys. I warmly welcome this initiative by the Dublin Transportation Office to challenge the driving habits of car owners in Dublin and the surrounding counties.  We all are impatient to free up our streets from heavy traffic so that we can enjoy a healthier more sustainable travel experience."

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