The number of vehicles on Irish roads increased by 49 per cent during the 10-year period from 1987 to 1997, reflecting strong growth in the economy. Private cars (84 per cent) accounted for most of the increase.
Rising vehicle numbers and increased use of cars are causing significant traffic congestion, increase in noise pollution and longer travel times for commuters.
These factors have combined to increase pollution, especially concentrations of airborne particulate matter associated with diesel and petrol engines.
In the case of Wood Quay and College Green in Dublin city centre, more than 25 per cent of recorded values during 1997 exceeded the proposed EU daily limit for such pollutants.
Growth in traffic volume is being reflected in distances travelled. Per capita, this increased from 5,994km in 1986 to 9,523km in 1996, an increase of more than 58 per cent. During the same 10-year period, the number of people travelling to work, college or school by private vehicles increased by 44 per cent while the number using public transport, bicycle or on foot decreased by nearly 6 per cent.