Irish Investment in Sustainable mobility for a…
What is the Irish National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022-2030? The Irish National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022-2030 is a document that sets out a strategic framework for active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport journeys to help Ireland meet its climate obligations. It was published by the Department of Transport in April 2022, and it is accompanied by an action plan to 2025, which contains specific actions to implement the policy. The policy aims to deliver at least 500,000 additional daily active travel and public transport journeys by 2030 and a 10% reduction in the number of kilometres driven by fossil fuelled cars. It also includes demand management and behavioural change measures to manage daily travel demand more efficiently and to reduce the journeys taken by private car. The policy is based on four key principles: - Sustainability: ensuring that transport contributes to Ireland's climate goals and environmental protection - Accessibility: ensuring that transport is affordable, inclusive, and available for all - Efficiency: ensuring that transport is reliable, integrated, and optimised - Safety: ensuring that transport is safe, secure, and healthy Why is the policy important? The policy is important because transport is central to Ireland's decarbonisation efforts. In 2020, road transport alone accounted for 94% of transport emissions, which are a major source of greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Road transport also contributes to increased levels of noise, collisions, congestion and pollutants that can have a negative impact on people's health and the environment. By promoting sustainable mobility options, such as walking, cycling, and public transport, the policy aims to reduce Ireland's dependence on fossil fuels, improve air quality, enhance public health, support social inclusion, boost economic activity, and create more liveable communities. The policy also supports Ireland's commitments under the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal, and the Climate Action Plan 2021. These are international and national frameworks that set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. What does the policy mean for active travel? Active travel refers to walking and cycling as modes of transport for everyday journeys. Active travel has many benefits for individuals and society, such as improving physical and mental health, saving money, reducing congestion, increasing road safety, and creating more vibrant public spaces. The policy recognises the potential of active travel to contribute to sustainable mobility and sets out a vision to make walking and cycling the most attractive choice for short trips. To achieve this vision, the policy outlines several actions, such as: - Developing a national network of safe, segregated, and connected walking and cycling routes - Providing high-quality infrastructure and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists - Supporting local authorities and communities to deliver active travel projects - Increasing funding and resources for active travel - Enhancing education, training, and awareness programmes for active travel - Introducing incentives and regulations to encourage active travel The policy also aims to integrate active travel with public transport, so that people can easily switch between modes for longer journeys. This will involve improving interchanges, providing bike parking and bike sharing schemes at public transport hubs, and allowing bikes on board buses and trains. How can you get involved? If you are interested in finding out more about the Irish National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022-2030 or getting involved in its implementation, you can visit the Department of Transport's website ( www.gov.ie/en/publication/848df-national-sustainable-mobility-policy/ ) where you can access the full policy document, the action plan, an infographic summary, and other related information. You can also contact your local authority or your local public participation network (PPN) to see what active travel initiatives are happening in your area or how you can contribute your ideas or feedback. You can find your local PPN here: www.gov.ie/en/service/9b5048-public-participation-networks/ Alternatively, you can join or support one of the many organisations or groups that advocate for sustainable mobility or active travel in Ireland. Some examples are: - Cyclist.ie: The Irish Cycling Advocacy Network cyclist.ie - Dublin Cycling Campaign www.dublincycling.com - Galway Cycling Campaign www.galwaycycling.org - Irish Pedestrian Network www.irishpedestrian.net