Travel Plan to help relieve congestion

Transport Minister Conor Murphy launched the first retail sector Workplace Travel Plan in the north today which was developed with the support of his Department.

Speaking at the launch in The Quays Shopping and Leisure Centre in Newry, Minister Murphy congratulated Parker Green International, owners and managers of The Quays Shopping and Leisure Centre for taking the initiative to tackle the problem of our over dependence on cars. "I commend this type of vision and foresight in developing this major Workplace Travel Plan for the retail sector here in the north."

Minister Murphy told the guests from Newry and Mourne District Council, the local Chamber of Commerce and other business interests in Newry that a Workplace Travel Plan has great benefits for towns and cities. "The Travel Plan is a package of measures designed to reduce over-dependence on the car for both commuter and business travel and offers staff sustainable travel alternatives such as public transport, car sharing, park and ride, park and share options as well as walking and cycling as realistic options for the work journey."

"These small measures will help to relieve local parking and congestion problems, improve public transport connections across the area and reduce stress on employees travelling to and from work."

Also speaking at the event, Dr Gerard O’Hare, Group Managing Director of Parker Green International, which owns and manages The Quays Shopping and Leisure Centre said: "Over the years the business community in Newry, with the support of the local council, has transformed the City into one of the island’s leading retail and commercial hubs.

"Almost 2,000 people currently work at the Quays, 75% of whom currently travel to work by car – despite the fact that over 700 staff live within 1km of a bus stop and over 400 live within cycling distance. The new plan represents a five year commitment by the Quay’s to encourage staff to leave the car behind and try healthier, greener ways of getting into work. It’s hoped that other cities across the north will adopt similar measures.

"Over the years the business community in Newry, with the support of the local council, has transformed the City into one of the island’s leading retail and commercial hubs.

“Commuting to work can be the most stressful part of the day, but it needn’t be if we collectively take simple steps to change our travel habits. The Quays Workplace Travel Plan sets a standard for other towns and cities here.”

Today’s event occurs at the end of European Mobility Week, 16-22 September 2010, which this year has the theme Travel Smarter Live Better. Businesses in all sectors across the north can apply to Travelwise for support through its Site Specific Advice Programme. For further information on Travelwise please call 0845 3780908 or visit Travelwiseni website

Notes to editors:

1. For further information about European Mobility Week visit http://mobilityweek.eu
2. All media enquiries to Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 90 540004. Out of office hours please contact the Daily Press Office via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.