Cross border initiative to tackle traffic congestion

A cross border car share scheme has been welcomed today by Transport Minister Conor Murphy and his southern counterpart, Minister Noel Dempsey.

People living primarily in the Donegal, Derry, Strabane and Letterkenny areas will be able to use the Car Share North West website, which matches commuters making similar daily journeys to and from work. The new scheme is a direct result of a shared vision developed by the Ministers in the context of their ongoing work in the North South Ministerial Council and is now delivered following close co-operation between their Departments with the assistance of a range of local bodies.

The Ministers were speaking ahead of the announcement of the new scheme today at Derry City Council Offices by Mayor of Derry Paul Fleming, Deputy County Mayor of Donegal, Charlie McConalogue and Vice-Chairman of Strabane District Council, Councillor James O'Kane.

Minister Murphy said: "This is a welcome new car share initiative for North West commuters which is free to use and will help to reduce congestion and pollution in the region. Traffic has increased significantly here in recent years, with the high number of single occupancy cars on the roads each day playing a major role in contributing to this issue."

Minister Dempsey said: "This is tangible evidence of the benefits of close cross-border co-operation through the North South Ministerial Council. It turns fine words and good intentions into a real and valuable service for people in the North West region. For example, two people sharing a daily return-journey between Letterkenny and Derry could save around €1,100 or £1,000 per year. Car sharing is not only a smarter way to travel but it also puts money back into peoples’ pockets."

Developed by the Department for Regional Development in partnership with Department of Transport in the south, the project is being supported by Derry City Council, Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, as well as the local Chambers of Commerce and employers including Asda, Altnagelvin Hospital, Axa, Northbrook Technology.

Launching the initiative, Mayor Fleming said: "The introduction of the Car Share North West website will make it easier for commuters to incorporate sustainable transport into their daily routine, connecting them with others who take the same trip to work each day."

Vice-Chairman O'Kane said: "With many people finding they are having to adapt to changing financial circumstances, car sharing is a way of making instant savings that offers additional benefits such as reducing our impact on the environment, helping to alleviate congestion and having the opportunity to spend the journey relaxing rather than driving every day."

Deputy Mayor McConalogue said: "There are many people in Donegal that could avail of this new scheme. I would encourage as many people as possible to explore the possibilities of changing their travel arrangements which would have benefits for everyone."

Travelwise first launched its public car share scheme in the north in 2005 and has to date over 3000 members with a match rate of 56%, including some cross-border commuters. In February 2009, under the Smarter Travel policy, the Department of Transport outlined the Dublin Government's commitment to the creation of a sustainable travel and transport system including the promotion of car-sharing and supporting this project.

For more information please visit Travelwise's Car Share North West website.

Notes to editors:

1. The Car Share NW scheme is a cross-border demonstration project on sustainable transport jointly supported by the Department of Transport in the South and the Department for Regional Development.
2. Travelwise is an agency within the Department for Regional Development and is dedicated to promoting the use of sustainable modes of transport such as car sharing, walking, cycling and public transport to audiences including employers, commuters and schools throughout the North. Details at the Travelwise website
3. The South's policy document "Smarter Travel" (Department of Transport, February 2009) outlines the Government’s vision for a sustainable travel and transport system by 2020. Among a wide range of interventions, Smarter Travel commits to the promotion of car-sharing and, specifically, to supporting this pilot project. Details available at the Smarter Travel website
4. For more information please visit the Car Share North West website at the Car Share North West website.
5. Media queries to Ross Williamson or Jenny Johnston at Inform Communications, tel. 02891 453500, mobile 07734821070 (Ross) or 07730527857 (Jenny) or Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, tel. 02890 540372 .Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.