Road traffic is the greatest threat to urban air quality, with levels of nitrous oxides and particulate matter continuing to rise. And new EU emission standards will be extremely difficult to meet, especially in areas of high traffic congestion.
The report says "a comprehensive and environmentally friendly public transport system is the most urgent need".
Rising vehicle numbers and increased car usage have led to increased congestion, rising air pollution and increased commuting times. "Congestion problems have not been helped by the general lack of car-sharing and pooling."
It cites a 1998 survey which showed that of some 152,000 journeys on the M50 in Dublin each day, 80 per cent of vehicles carried only one person.
Road traffic is adding to local air pollution. It is a major contributor to emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxides, volatile organic compounds and tiny particulate matter known as PM 10. It warns: "These emissions can be damaging to human health, as well as to buildings and the natural environment."
It notes that Dublin suburbanisation is leading to a far greater spread of population than in other EU cities of comparable size and is bringing an increased reliance on the private car.
There is major scope for improvement in the provision of cycle lanes and pedestrianised areas in urban centres. While new initiatives in Dublin, such as quality bus corridors, had been of benefit, considerable progress is needed in the provision of co-ordinated and effective public transport systems.
Sustained growth in car numbers will generate even greater numbers of trips by cars and add to congestion, air pollution and noise, it predicts. "It is essential to break the link between car ownership and car usage, and to provide efficient alternative modes of transport."
