EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Ireland’s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020 Chapter Highlights for Environment and Transport The transport sector has a significant impact on the environment, including being responsible for 20 per cent of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. A sustainable mobility transformation is required, with the next decade crucial, whereby necessary journeys are made by sustainable modes such as walking, cycling and public transport, followed by using electric vehicles where unavoidable. For this transformation to happen we need to start fast-tracking the measures in the Climate Action Plan and other necessary measures. Long-term, integrated spatial and transport planning can achieve compact development and move trips to rail, bus, cycling and walking. Shifting to these modes is an essential part of a sustainable and climate-neutral transition for the transport sector. While challenging, the long-term changes required in transport can deliver multiple benefits in reducing greenhouse gases, tackling growing traffic congestion, reducing air pollution and noise emissions, and enhancing our wellbeing and the economy. 298