Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

303 Chapter 11: Environment and Transport Key chapter messages 1. The transport sector is a major consumer of energy and material resources and is a source of environmental pollution, particularly greenhouse gases, air pollutants and noise. 2. A sustainable, accessible and efficient transport system is not only important for the environment and wellbeing but is also a key enabler for the economy. 3. High-level integration between land use planning and transport planning is needed to achieve more compact development, incentivise a move away from private cars, 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.