Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

297 Chapter 11: Environment and Transport Figure 11.15  One Network Framework classification of streets and roads in New Zealand Rural Movement Place P5 P4 P3 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 Movement Place P5 P4 P3 P3 P3 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 Interregional Connectors Rural Connectors Rural Roads Peri- urban Roads Stopping Places Urban Activity Streets City Hubs Urban Connectors Main Streets Local Streets Civic Spaces Transit Corridors Source: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, 2023; reproduced under the terms of the Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0 licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) . The direct relationship between reallocating road space to people and the improvement of air quality is evident in a number of studies (Hulkkonen et al. , 2020; Glazener et al. , 2022). The travel restrictions implemented in 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19 have underscored the clear connection between traffic and nitrogen dioxide levels in ambient air (EPA, 2021). This connection between restricting car traffic and improved air quality is increasingly recognised by Irish policymakers. For example, the Living Streets scheme in Dún Laoghaire is designed to both reduce noise and improve air quality while also encouraging safer travel within its designated areas (DLRCC, 2023). Local evidence from redesigning Blackrock village shows that it increased public space by 25%, reduced car trips by 40% and improved business revenue, air quality and street safety (TU Dublin and DLRCC, 2021). Demand management. The Department of Transport published the Five Cities Demand Management Study in November 2021 (DOT, 2021). The study set out to develop an understanding of the drivers of transport demand and how a shift to more sustainable travel in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway could be promoted. The study assessed a wide range of measures in terms of their impact in reducing GHG emissions, tackling congestion and improving air quality. This included measures such as reallocating road space from private cars to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport; providing safer walking and cycling options; and reducing the number of parking spaces. It also included the concept of 15-minute neighbourhoods, where the population can reach the amenities it needs daily by a short walk, cycle or public transport journey. The study, which provided a series of evidence-based demand management recommendations for each of the cities along with a national roadmap for delivery, was a key input to the development of a new national demand management strategy (DOT, 2024b). The new draft strategy aims to make the transport system more efficient and to alleviate the impacts of car dependency and congestion on the economy, the environment and the health of our society. The strategy, and associated Implementation plan, includes recommendations on developing demand management schemes and updating national guidelines and standards to support road space reallocation measures in particular. Shift actions Active travel. There are various determinants of the choice between walking and cycling, but trip characteristics and the built environment can be directly or indirectly influenced by policy. For instance, adapting the infrastructure in such a way that saves travel time (e.g. more pedestrian crossings) and creating a mixed land use environment, where residential and other functional areas are combined, can significantly reduce distances, thereby encouraging active travel (Ton et al. , 2019).