3.10 Urban Congestion

There is often limited flexibility in mode or time of travel associated with freight transport given its role in the movement of essential goods for society. The importance of facilitating efficient freight transport for society was highlighted during the COVID pandemic where, despite restrictions to movement of people, demand for goods movement remained constant – only 4 percent less in 2020 than 201916.

Transport emissions reduction from goods vehicles represent a significant challenge, as, reflective of their size/engine types, they generate 5 to 6 times higher emissions than cars. In 2020, goods vehicles represented nearly 40 percent of the total CO2e emissions on National Roads17. While the car fleet is transitioning towards EV/LEVs there are currently no scaled alternatives for HGVs, though the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation is expected to place an emphasis on provision of electric vehicle charging for HGVs. The progression of technology and traffic management measures is therefore necessary..

Integration of road and rail freight is supported by TII and is important for reducing freight related congestion and emissions on the National Roads network. Iarnród Éireann has developed its strategy Rail Freight 2040, which envisions rail playing a key role in enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic growth whilst meeting climate change objectives.

National Roads can be essential arteries for economic activity across the country, their role in this regard must be acknowledged and protected. National Roads infrastructure should be fit for purpose for the transport of heavy vehicles, noting the high levels of wear and degradation of the carriageway under heavy loading. While the freight sector has proven to be historically resilient, capacity re-allocation or freight specific transport management schemes, which would need to be considered at the appropriate tier of the NIFTI Modal and Intervention Hierarchies. In December 2022, the DoT published ‘Ireland’s Road Haulage Strategy 2022–2031’. When implementing NR2040, TII will work closely with the DoT to take account of the needs of the Haulage and Road Freight sector.

3.10 Urban Congestion

We cannot build our way out of urban congestion challenges - the management of National Roads must balance increasing mobility demands and finite road space.

Congestion has a significant impact on the well-being of people in our cities and urban communities. It detrimentally affects local, national, and international accessibility. Land use patterns and a shortage of meaningful alternatives, including public transport and high-quality cycling and walking facilities, have led to an over-reliance on car use, thus leading to congestion.

Congestion is especially evident on national roads in the approaches to and in the environs of urban centres leading towards and around urban centres during peak periods. Thus, not only does congestion adversely affect personal travel experience, but it also hinders the use of the road as a well-functioning public asset.

The economic cost of congestion is evident, as analysis for the Greater Dublin Area estimates- the cost of time lost due to aggravated congestion was €358 million in 2012. This is forecast to rise to €2.08 billion per year in 203318. The economic cost of congestion is especially relevant in respect to the transport of goods, which rely on the National Roads network for efficient access to ports and airports.

Congestion also leads to increased carbon emissions and reductions in air quality, resulting

16 TII Road Traffic Counts 17 TII Emissions Model 18 The Costs of Congestion - An Analysis of the Greater Dublin Area, EFEU Research Report (July 2017)