NTA Survey Reveals Active Travel Removes 660,000 Cars Daily from Ireland's Major Cities

Active Travel Significantly Reduces Car Dependency in Irish Metropolitan Areas

A new report published today, March 3, 2026, by the National Transport Authority (NTA) reveals that active travel modes—walking, wheeling, and cycling—are collectively removing up to 660,000 cars daily from Ireland's five largest metropolitan areas. The 'Walking and Cycling Index 2025', developed in collaboration with local authorities and the sustainable transport charity Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, provides the most extensive assessment of active travel in urban areas across Ireland and the UK.

The survey encompassed the metropolitan areas of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick/Shannon, and Waterford, representing 42% of the state's population. It highlights the substantial impact of non-leisure active travel trips on reducing traffic congestion and promoting environmental sustainability.

Environmental and Economic Benefits Underscored

Beyond the impressive reduction in daily car journeys, the NTA's findings emphasize significant environmental and economic advantages. Active travel in these five metropolitan areas saves an estimated 120,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, an amount equivalent to 1.5 million flights from Dublin to London.

Economically, walking, wheeling, and cycling generate an annual benefit of almost €3 billion across the five metropolitan areas. This includes direct savings from reduced vehicle operating costs and broader benefits such as improved public health. For instance, active travel in the Dublin Metropolitan Area alone saves the HSE (Health Service Executive) an estimated €55.7 million annually, equivalent to the cost of over 920,000 GP appointments.

Metropolitan Areas Show Strong Active Travel Engagement

The report provides detailed insights into active travel patterns within each metropolitan area:

• In Dublin, up to 510,000 non-leisure return walking, wheeling, and cycling trips are made daily by residents who could have used a car. The number of adults cycling five or more days a week has increased to 12%, up from 8% in 2023.
• The Cork Metropolitan Area sees up to 82,000 cars removed from its roads daily. The proportion of adults walking or wheeling at least five times a week has risen significantly from 52% in 2023 to 66% in 2025.
• In Galway, up to 23,000 return walking and cycling non-leisure trips are made daily. The percentage of residents walking or wheeling at least five times a week increased from 60% in 2023 to 67% in 2025.
• The Waterford Metropolitan Area accounts for up to 15,000 cars being taken off the road daily due to active travel.

The survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A from April to July 2025, involved over 1,100 residents aged 16 and above in each area, ensuring a demographically representative sample.

Public Support and Government Investment Drive Future Growth

The findings also highlight overwhelming public support for continued investment in active travel infrastructure. Across all five cities, a majority of residents are in favour of additional spending on walking, wheeling, and cycling, even if it means reallocating road space. For example, 86% of residents in Waterford and 82% in Galway support the construction of physically separated cycle tracks.

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien welcomed the report, noting the government's substantial investment in active travel, which has exceeded €1 billion since 2021. This commitment aims to foster safer, more attractive, and accessible environments that encourage independent and sustainable travel for all citizens.