The Government has today announced controversial new plans to introduce congestion charges in Dublin and road-pricing fees for drivers using main roads.
Announcing the new measures, however, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said he believed congestion charges should not be implemented until Transport 21 plans are adequately phased in and sufficient public transport alternatives are in place.
The Sustainable Transport and Travelcosultation document published today warns that unless new measures are introduced to encourage drivers to leave the car at home and start taking public transport, Ireland faces a dismal future in health terms with commuter travel times grinding closer to a halt.
Calling on the public to make its opinion on the matter known by responding to the public consultation Minister Dempsey said: "I'm ready to listen. I know that the public have ideas on how we can free up our cities from traffic congestion. They have ideas on how we can give people back precious time lost each day while we commute."
Statistics published today suggest average commuter speeds in urban areas during the morning peak hour will drop from 13 kph in 2006 to 8 kph in 2016 if current traffic volumes are left unchecked.
The consultation document also indicates a grave impact on the health of commuters, with warnings of increased levels of obesity due to car dependency and chronic health conditions linked to environmental pollution.
Ibec transport executive Paul Sweetman said that although Ireland's infrastructure is currently ranked 54 thin the world and requires vast improvement, "tackling congestion and encouraging people away from private transport, where appropriate, is an enormous challenge."
"In urban areas, 70 per cent of car owners say they cannot operate without their vehicle, rising to over 85 per cent in rural areas. Ireland has a unique population distribution, with a mix of heavily populated urban centres and very low-density rural areas. A one-solution-fits-all approach is neither appropriate nor sustainable," he said.
Mr Dempsey said he will set out a detailed action plan later this summer that will challenge people to change their travel behaviours.
"But first I want to hear what people have to say. I am committed to providing the necessary support to enhance alternative ways of travelling such as walking, cycling and increased use of public transport," he said.
"I urge the public to have their voice heard in this important debate. Change is coming and I want as many people as possible to have a say in it," he added.