4 NR2040 Vision and Key Objectives

NR2040 sets out TII’s long-term strategy for the maintenance, development, and management of Ireland’s National Roads network. NR2040 is fully aligned with NIFTI and Project Ireland 2040 and focuses on strategic issues for National Roads identified by TII.

Our vision is for the National Roads network to be

An evolving sustainable transport system focused on safety, innovation, accessibility and mobility of people, goods, and services

Safe and efficient transport network

for people and

goods

Environmentally,

socially, and economically

sustainable

Tailored for different customers

in different places Managed and improved as a key

public asset

NR2040 sets out a strong commitment to provide a National Roads network that is:

A network facilitating the safe and efficient movement of people and goods

TII sees road safety as an integral part of every aspect of maintenance, development, and management of the National Roads network, in line with Ireland’s long-term goal of achieving Vision Zero by 2050. As the main conduit for economic productivity and social connectivity, the National Roads network must be maintained and managed, to cater for the efficient transport of people and goods.

Environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable

The three pillars of sustainability are considered in NR2040:

Figure from page 34

»Environmental Environmental sustainability is the

bedrock for social and economic sustainability in Ireland, avoiding and where unavoidable mitigating environmental impacts including climate change, air quality and noise as well as biodiversity impacts of the National Roads. »Social Integrated land use and transport network

to connect communities, ensuring that our infrastructure supports safety and inclusivity and enables sustainable mobility and healthier transport choices. TII strives to enhance both urban and rural accessibility, supporting transport options for all sectors of society, particularly in hard-to-reach areas »Economic TII will continue to support the economy

through the provision and management of infrastructure along the National Roads network that enables the efficient and sustainable movement of people, goods and services.

Tailored for different customers in different places

National Roads must cater for all road users. Planning for the network must consider the unique needs of different customers and provide a network that allows more people to travel conveniently using public transport and active travel modes, for some or all of their trips, while also recognising that some of these options will not be suitable or available for everyone everywhere. The network must also be maintained for personal travel, especially in rural areas where communities are highly dependent on them for basic accessibility to jobs and services.

Managed and improved as a key public asset

The National Roads network is a key national asset that has received significant investment over the years, primarily related to the maintenance, the improvement and expansion of the network. In light of national targets associated with supporting decarbonisation and climate action, TII stewardship will evolve to manage, improve and enhance the National Roads network in line with these ambitions and as a key public asset.