An Taisce: Rise in Dublin traffic hitting climate targets

Ireland's attempts to meet climate change targets are being undermined by a return of traffic congestion in Dublin to 2008 boom time levels, An Taisce has said.

Calling for a timetabled programme to address the congestion, it says transport-related greenhouse gas emissions have risen by 2.1 per cent in 2013 over 2012 levels. The 2014 data, due for publication by the EPA shortly, is projected to show a similar increase and suggests Ireland will overshoot its EU2020 targets, when combined with agricultural emissions and inadequate action on heating.

It adds: “Congestion also affects economic productivity, slows down public transport and service vehicle movement, undermines cycling and causes local air pollution in particle emissions, particularly from diesel vehicles. Parallel to this is the impact of car dependence is contributing to unhealthy lifestyles and obesity.”