Submitted by: Future of Dublin
Theme: Delivering Affordable Mobility, Climate Action and Regional Connectivity
Executive Summary
Ireland faces interconnected challenges in housing, transport, climate policy and regional development. Budget 2026 should prioritise investments that reduce congestion, improve quality of life, lower emissions and provide practical alternatives to private car dependency.
Future of Dublin recommends targeted investment in public transport, active travel and demand-management measures that can deliver significant economic, environmental and social benefits.
1. Expand Strategic Park & Ride Infrastructure
Many commuters living outside urban centres have limited alternatives to driving.
Budget 2026 should fund a national programme of high-capacity Park & Ride facilities at major transport corridors, particularly around motorway junctions and existing public transport routes.
Priority locations include:
Spawell Roundabout / M50 corridor
Major M1, M3, M4 and M7 interchange points
Regional rail stations with available land
These facilities should be integrated with frequent bus, Luas and rail services to reduce traffic entering city centres while maintaining accessibility for suburban and rural commuters.
2. Accelerate Delivery of the Galway Luas
Galway continues to experience severe congestion despite being one of Ireland’s fastest-growing cities.
Budget 2026 should provide funding certainty for the proposed Galway Luas project and associated active travel infrastructure.
Without high-capacity public transport, future population growth risks locking Galway into increasing congestion, emissions and economic inefficiency.
3. Double-Track the Dublin–Sligo Railway
The Dublin–Sligo line remains constrained by extensive single-track sections.
Budget 2026 should commit to phased double-tracking of the route to:
Improve reliability
Increase service frequency
Reduce journey times
Support balanced regional development
Rail investment remains one of the most effective tools for reducing transport emissions while strengthening regional economies.
4. Address Induced Demand in Transport Planning
International evidence consistently demonstrates that expanding road capacity alone often generates additional traffic through induced demand.
Future transport investment decisions should therefore prioritise:
Public transport
Walking infrastructure
Cycling infrastructure
Demand management measures rather than relying solely on road expansion projects.
5. Improve Filtered Permeability in Existing Communities
Many housing estates contain barriers that force pedestrians and cyclists onto indirect and unsafe routes.
Budget 2026 should establish dedicated funding streams for local authorities to identify and remove these barriers through filtered permeability projects.
Examples include:
New pedestrian links between adjacent estates
Opening gated pathways
Improved crossings
Safe access routes to schools, shops and public transport
Each local authority should designate staff responsible for identifying opportunities where small interventions can deliver significant improvements in walkability.
6. Protect Essential Bus Services
Not all public transport routes should be judged solely on commercial profitability.
Loss-making bus routes often provide essential social and economic connectivity for:
Rural communities
Older people
Students
People without access to private vehicles
Budget 2026 should continue support for socially necessary services that strengthen inclusion and reduce transport disadvantage.
7. Introduce a Weight-Based Vehicle Tax Reform
Vehicle weight is increasingly linked to road wear, safety risks and transport emissions.
Future of Dublin proposes an additional annual tax on private vehicles exceeding 1,700kg, with revenues ring-fenced for:
Public transport investment
Walking infrastructure
Cycling infrastructure
Park & Ride facilities
The policy would encourage a shift towards lighter, more efficient vehicles while helping fund sustainable transport alternatives.
Conclusion
Ireland cannot build its way out of congestion through road expansion alone. Budget 2026 should focus on providing people with practical alternatives through investment in public transport, active travel, regional rail and smarter urban planning.
The measures outlined above would help reduce emissions, improve mobility, strengthen regional connectivity and create more liveable communities across Ireland.
