As 13,000 cities around Europe celebrated a car free day, the event in Dublin was overtaken by anti-globalisation protests.
Ten cities and towns in Ireland participated in European Car Free Day. Although Dublin Bus provided free travel, every available car space was taken in the city centre.
Events organised by Dublin City Council were overtaken by a 'Reclaim the Streets' anti-globalisation march attended by over 300 people and culminating with a free street party on Baggot Street. While there was a visible Garda presence, the protesters, many in fancy dress, were not planning to cause trouble.
Most of the people here, look, people dressed up in pink and bright colours, balloons, this isn't violence.
At Heuston Station, Iarnród Éireann also came under attack from a ‘Critical Mass’, as cyclists protested about the lack of parking for bicycles in train stations.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 September 2002. The reporter is Teresa Mannion.
