DRIVE TALKING

What’s hot on the road

A HIT TO SHOPPING

DUBLIN City Council and the National Transport Authority’s daft plan to restrict car movement in the centre of the capital has been slammed by the Irish Parking Association, which warns of a 24 per cent drop in shopping if the move goes ahead. A Red C survey commissioned by the IPA found that 41 per cent of retail and entertainment spend in the city comes from car users, who also spend 42 per cent more per head than those who have to lug purchases home on the bus. Three in five car shoppers say they will use out-oftown retail parks instead.

DRIVE WITH KEANO?

SEAT has found that over half of us would like actor Chris O’Dowd as a companion on a day trip, with Wicklow’s Sally Gap and the Galway to Clifden road as the preferred routes. 8% said they’d like to drive with Roy Keane, presumably those willing to see the drive cut short when he storms home in a huff.

ATTENTION ALL TRUCKERS

THE Mondello Truck Show returns on September 5 and 6 at the Co. Kildare circuit, sponsored by Calor Gas. As well as competitions to find the best trucks in 18 categories, there will be truck racing, a stop & go contest and a courier race. The winner probably has the trophy flung at him while someone shouts ‘I need someone to sign for this…’ See mondellopark.ie for details.