Minister’s Foreword

Transport is not simply about moving people around the country; it is about connecting communities, enabling opportunity, and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Ireland’s National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022-2030 (SMP) is central to this ambition. It reflects Government intention to deliver cleaner, healthier and more efficient transport choices and a resilient, low carbon economy.

The Action Plan aligns with the revised NDP’s Transport Sectoral Investment Plan, reaffirming the Government’s long term commitment to investment in transformative public transport and active travel initiatives. It incorporates projects such as MetroLink, DART+, BusConnects, and makes provision for the upgrading of rail stations, expanded walking and cycling networks and the reinstatement of Athenry-Claremorris section of the Western Rail Corridor. This Action Plan also reflects the commitments of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030, ensuring that equitable access and universal design remain central to transport planning, and sustainable mobility services.

The first Action Plan under the SMP, which expired at end 2025, represented a coordinated approach by Government to realise its broad-ranging ambitions in this area. With a strengthened focus on delivery, the Plan oversaw record-breaking public transport usage, enhanced rural connectivity through Local Link services, and a significant proportion of the regional cities’ bus fleet transitioned to low or zero emission, with Limerick becoming Ireland’s first city to go fully electric. Substantial improvements have been made to walking and cycling infrastructure, with approximately €1 million spent per day over the lifetime of the Plan. Projects to improve accessibility and inclusion on public transport have also progressed, resulting in more wheelchair accessible vehicles and stations, better travel supports, and accessibility principles embedded into the design of all public transport Initiatives.

As we look ahead to 2030, this Action Plan represents an ambitious programme for sustainable mobility, helping to support our everyday travel needs and build a healthy and inclusive society. Its delivery will require partnership at every level, but the benefits are clear: cleaner air, safer communities, thriving towns and cities, and a transport system that works for everyone.

Darragh O’Brien T.D. Minister for Transport

This new Action Plan, to cover the period 2026 to 2030, reflects the next phase of Ireland’s sustainable mobility journey. Again, this coordinated approach allows for accountable monitoring of delivery against Programme for Government ambitions. It aligns with updated Climate Action Plan targets and responds to new demographic, economic and environmental challenges. Its development has been shaped by close collaboration across national, regional and local government and through targeted engagement with community groups, disability organisations, mobility operators, youth groups and academia as part of the National Sustainable Mobility Forum.