New research commissioned by Engineers Ireland has revealed that Ireland remains heavily dependent on private cars, with four out of five adults (79%) not using public transport on a typical day.

The findings, from an Amárach Research survey, underscore major infrastructure and safety deficits that are actively hindering the country's ability to meet its legally binding climate targets.

The data informs Engineers Ireland's new position paper, Transport in Ireland: Connecting Sustainably, which identifies significant barriers to the adoption of sustainable travel methods.

Key Barriers to Sustainable Travel

The survey, based on a representative sample of over 1,000 Irish adults, found low regular reliance on public transport, with weekly usage for the bus at 18% and the train at just 6%. Reasons cited for avoiding public transport include:

- Lack of Nearby Connections: 41%

- Unsuitable Timetables: 25%

- Preference for Personal Space: 24%

- Personal Safety Concerns: A notable 7%

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Perceptions of safety for active travel remain critically poor. The majority of adults (64%) report that they never cycle, with 82% of rural and 74% of urban respondents considering cycling unsafe. These statistics align with National Transport Authority (NTA) data, which shows cars account for 71% of all trips, with cycling at just 2%.

Engineers Ireland warns that current travel patterns and infrastructure deficiencies are placing the transport sector at a "critical juncture," jeopardising climate goals, including a mandated 51% emissions cut by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

To address this, the organisation is urging government and industry to significantly increase investment in transport infrastructure. Key recommendations include:

• Investment Increase: Boosting transport investment by more than 5% annually over the next decade to match the levels of high-income European counterparts.

• Accelerated Projects: Fast-tracking key national projects like BusConnects and CycleConnects.

• Priority Infrastructure: Prioritising the construction of dedicated bus lanes and segregated cycle tracks to improve both efficiency and safety.

• Electrification: Rapidly electrifying the public bus fleet, supported by a targeted charging infrastructure strategy.

Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, commented on the required structural changes:

"Ireland's transport system is still falling short of what is needed to deliver a sustainable future. Our research reveals that public transport is not meeting people's needs, and safety concerns are holding back active travel. Engineers Ireland is committed to working with policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to accelerate investment in infrastructure that makes sustainable travel a real choice for everyone."

The organisation stated its commitment to engaging with stakeholders to overcome these challenges and build a transport network that supports climate goals and improves quality of life nationwide.