Commuting times are growing, and for many in Ireland, the daily crawl is becoming a defining feature of modern life. But why is congestion so bad, and what’s being done to address it? The answer isn’t simple. A complex interplay of factors – a rising population, increased car ownership, housing pressures, and evolving work patterns – are all contributing to the problem. Understanding these forces is the first step toward finding solutions.
Over the past two decades, Ireland has experienced significant economic growth and population increase. This has naturally led to more people on the roads. However, the increase in private car ownership has outpaced population growth, exacerbating the issue. According to figures from the Department of Transport and the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the number of cars on Irish roads rose from 1.6 million in 2005 to 2.5 million in 2025, a 56% increase. The CSO data illustrates this trend clearly.
Interestingly, the only period during this 20-year span where car numbers actually *decreased* coincided with the global financial crisis beginning in 2008. This demonstrates the strong link between economic conditions and car ownership. However, as the economy recovered and expanded, so too did the number of vehicles on the road.
The Dominance of the Private Car
Despite Ireland having one of the lowest car ownership rates in the European Union, the vast majority of journeys are still undertaken by private vehicle. The National Household Travel Survey for 2024, published by the National Transport Authority (NTA), found that 71% of all trips were made by car. The NTA report details the breakdown of travel modes, with just 18% of journeys made on foot, 4% by bus or coach, 3% in truck or van, 2% by bike, and only 1% by train, DART, or Luas.
This reliance on cars is further compounded by the ongoing housing crisis. As affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce in urban centers, people are forced to live further from their workplaces, making public transport, cycling, or walking less viable options. The trend of employers requesting staff to return to the office after periods of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is also contributing to increased road traffic.
The Pandemic’s Impact and the Return to the Office
UCD Professor of Transport Economics Aisling Reynolds-Feighan notes that the pandemic initially masked the underlying issues. “Covid hid the problem” of the growing population and workforce, she explained. Now, with employers encouraging a return to on-site work, “it has really brought home this increase in the population and in the labour force.”
Dr. Pete Lunn, Research Professor with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), points to Ireland’s recent economic expansion as a key factor. “We had a fairly extraordinary period of growth, so it happened to us. We are struggling to keep pace, so we are seeing massive congestion.” He also emphasizes the need for investment in alternatives to cars, given Ireland’s commitment to climate targets.
Investment in Public Transport – Is it Enough?
The Irish government has significantly increased spending on transport in recent years. The budget for the Department of Transport has risen from €1.8 billion in 2016 to €4.7 billion in 2026. This year, €2.39 billion is allocated to public transport and sustainable mobility (walking and cycling), even as €1.73 billion is earmarked for roads and road safety. Despite this investment, Professor Reynolds-Feighan believes it’s insufficient to shift people away from private cars.
“People will use public transport if it is reliable and if it is close in time and money costs to what you get with a private car. Unfortunately, it is not,” she states. She argues that public transport doesn’t adequately serve the needs of many commuters, failing to connect where people live and work. She suggests substantial expansion of light rail networks, particularly in Dublin, and progressing with projects like MetroLink – though she acknowledges that such projects will take decades to complete. Shorter-term solutions, such as better integration of Dublin’s rail stations, are also crucial.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien acknowledges the congestion issues but highlights a “really significant increase in public transport usage,” with a record 365 million passenger journeys in 2025 – over a million per day.
He says his working group on congestion is examining short-term measures to alleviate the problem, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area.
Challenges and Opposition to Change
Dr. Lunn notes that latest transport projects often face resistance from those who initially perceive downsides before recognizing the benefits. This is currently evident with some opposition to changes within the Bus Connects network, the NTA’s initiative to overhaul Dublin’s bus routes. He draws a parallel to the initial controversy surrounding the Luas light rail system, which ultimately became a popular and essential part of Dublin’s transport infrastructure.
Addressing congestion requires a multifaceted approach, combining increased investment in public transport, improved infrastructure, and a willingness to embrace change. Lowering public transport fares, as the government has done, is a positive step, as Dr. Lunn points out: “If you want to make something attractive to people you make it simple, you make it cheap and you make it fair.”
Looking ahead, the Minister O’Brien’s congestion working group is expected to publish its initial recommendations in the coming months. These proposals will likely focus on optimizing existing road networks and exploring innovative traffic management solutions. The long-term solution, however, hinges on a sustained commitment to expanding and improving public transport options, making them a genuinely viable alternative to the private car.
What are your experiences with congestion in Ireland? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.
