The Minister's visit was part of a series of events to mark Travelwise Week 2008 which encourages people to leave the car behind in favour of public transport, cycling and walking. Education Minister Caitriona Ruane accompanied Minister Murphy.
Speaking to pupils at St Colman’s College in Newry, Minister Murphy outlined the environmental, health and economic problems that the school-run can bring. Approximately 25% of all traffic on the road in the morning are vehicles taking children to school. This can cause congestion at the school gates and roads and with the increasing costs of fuel it is also a burden to many households.
A survey carried out for Travelwise Week found that 53% of commuters have cut down the number of journeys they are making due to the increasing cost of fuel and the current economic climate.
He said: "Many young people are concerned about environmental issues including levels of fuel emissions. Parents on the school run can help by leaving the car at home where possible at least once a week. As part of the Travelwise survey we found that a staggering 93% of adult commuters felt that, where possible, pupils should walk to school.''
"This will help not only the environment but also save money and bring many health benefits. Walking and cycling are great forms of exercise.
"The younger generation can inspire a change of attitude and behaviour with their parents and grandparents and I hope the pupils of St Coleman's, and other schools across the north, can support sustainable transport."
Welcoming the Minister, St Colman’s Principal Dr Francis Brown said: “It is always a joy to see old pupils return to the school but I am delighted that we can welcome back the Minister for Regional Development. Environmental issues are at the forefront of our pupils minds, wondering how they can get involved and do their bit. With the cost of fuel rising and the levels of traffic growing with it I felt it would benefit the pupils to hear what the Minister is doing to tackle this issue and how they could get involved in doing their bit.
" I know that the Minister and his Department take the issue seriously and have put in place such initiatives as Safer Routes to Schools, Walk to School Week and WOW (Walk Once a Week) so I thought it would motivate the students to take part and use more sustainable modes at least once a week and indeed it may even inspire some of them to become a future Transport Minister.”
Travelwise NI is an initiative of the Department for Regional Development and is supported by DOE Road Safety, Translink, Sustrans and the Health Promotion Agency. To find out more information please visit 
www.travelwiseni.com or contact a member of the Travelwise NI team on 0845 378 0908
Notes to Editors:
1. The survey was conducted in Belfast on Wednesday 3 September following the return of the schools. 500 commuters were surveyed
53% drove to work, 26% used public transport, 13% walked with 7% cycling
97% supported call for pupils, where it was safe and practical to do so, to walk to school 3% opposed this.
2. Interview, filming and photography opportunities are available at the event on Friday 19 September 14.00 at St Colman’s College, Newry. Contact Ross Williamson, Inform Communications Tel: 028 9023 3550 Mob: 07734821070 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 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
