# Transport
Last month
September 2023
Traffic to be diverted from congested quays under proposed rehaul of Dublin city centre roads
Transport officials have devised a draft plan aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital.
MetroLink on track to be one of the most expensive underground rail projects in the world
Paul O’Donoghue takes a look at the long-running project.
Overhaul of Dublin city centre roads will address cross-town traffic
Changes to the areas around Pearse Street and the Custom House will be tabled next week as part of plans to boost public transport, walking and cycling.
A complete overhaul of the Westland Row, Pearse Street and Tara Street area is planned.
The Journal understands Tara Street - currently a busy traffic route with narrow footpaths - will have more space allocated to active travel and buses.
Valerie Flynn reports from a cycling symposium in the capital.
This year
2023
Transport Infrastructure Ireland set to spend €300 million on new Luas trams
TII has initiated a preliminary market consultation to further expand the Luas and replace the trams currently in service.
Jack Chambers says NCT will not go cashless despite company stating it would
The test will not be ‘saying goodbye to cash’, as the NCT claimed on social media.
Delays expected in Phoenix Park as construction begins on temporary bus stops
There will be seven stops within the park, including stops at Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Roundabout and Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
Review will 'radically change' mismatch of speed limits on Irish roads, says minister
A review into Ireland’s speed limits will be published in the ‘coming weeks, says Minister of State Jack Chambers.
PAC warns Metrolink cost must not exceed €9.5 billion
The committee is concerned at the wide range of cost estimates and lengthy timeline.
Opinion: Deflating SUV tyres is not welcome, but make no mistake - these vehicles are the worst
Sadhbh O’ Neill outlines why SUVs, even electric ones, are truly problematic.
Additional 300 taxi permits for Dublin Airport to be issued this summer
This comes after the daa last month asked the public to use buses, taxis or get a lift to the airport after all its car parks sold out.
Minister for Disabilities launches public transport initiative for people with autism
Minister for State Anne Rabbitte said she ‘expects ministers to have a very open door’ for her when she seeks a disability package in the next budget.
Watchdog warns about electric car 'zero emissions' claims
Volkswagen said it would include a disclaimer in future advertising if repeating the “zero driving emissions” claim.
'Shameful': Ombudsman slams ten-year delay by Govt to provide disabled people transport supports
The Ombudsman also criticises passport issues and NCT errors among the office’s latest annual report.
Irish Rail says delays on services 'beginning to ease' following signalling issue
Services were suspended on all routes to and from Dublin’s Connolly Station earlier this afternoon, but have since resumed.
Ministers express unease over underspend on national roads projects
Cabinet was also told that Covid mitigation measures in hospitals are under review.
'If everyone drives, no one gets anywhere quickly', says Minister for Transport
Minister Eamon Ryan has said that switching to electric vehicles will help reach climate targets but will not be enough to solve congestion problems.
Minister for Transport expresses concern over Dublin Port expansion plans
Eamon Ryan said the proposed development is not sustainable and is too reliant on road transport.
Germany braces for serious disruptions as transport staff set to stage 'mega-strike'
Workers at airports, ports, railways, buses and metro lines throughout much of Germany are expected to join the 24-hour walkout.
Dublin Airport chief calls for 'draconian' prison sentences for flying drones over airfields
The current maximum sentence in Ireland is seven years, but it’s a life sentence in the UK.
Electric vehicle charging points to be rolled out at sport, retail and tourism hotspots
The government also plans to make a fast charger available every 60km on motorways under a new strategy.
Used car prices jump by almost 70% - due to pandemic, Brexit and Ukraine - report says
In particular, used cars in the lower end of the market are becoming less affordable despite being lower in safety standards and higher in emissions.
High-powered EV chargers to be installed every 60km along all main roads under new Govt plan
€100 million fund to provide chargers along the main road network.
Sale of new electric vehicles jumped 81% in 2022
15,262 new electric cars were licenced in 2022 compared to 8,554 in 2021.
Last year
2022
Congestions charges can't be ruled out as Taoiseach says Govt won't curtail car ownership
Minister Eamon Ryan says he’s confident the civil service will lead by example when it comes to reducing car park spaces.
Deferring toll price hikes by six months will first need agreement by all 8 operators, says TII
TII says agreement on deferral unlikely to happen until their boards meet in mid-December.
Tolls were set to rise from 1 January 1 to their maximum rate due to an increase in inflation
The announcement provoked anger as citizens grapple with the surging cost of living this winter
Fines totaling €164,000 handed to 13 motorists who didn't pay M50 tolls
A fine of €25,000 was given to a commercial vehicle owner who had 216 unpaid journeys.
Dublin Bus apologises for 'real-time' issues as staffing crisis could delay BusConnects roll-out
Dublin Bus has 150 vacancies to fill, while Go-Ahead has 45 roles.
Government announces new pilot scheme for zebra crossings without flashing orange beacons
The new scheme will see the beacons replaced with reflective signs.
Councils asked to develop transport projects to help meet climate goals
A programme supporting local projects to help meet the transport sector’s climate goals is set to launch next week
Ireland's 'car-dependent' transport system needs to change, says OECD
Improvements in fuel efficiency and electric vehicle use won’t be enough to bridge the gap for 2030 emissions.
Fares on Nitelink bus services in Dublin to be reduced from tonight
Leap fares are being reduced by 33% while cash fares are being reduced by 43%.
'Taxis had no input in this': Taxi fares now 12% more expensive and all drivers must accept card
The standard initial charge has increased to €4.20.
Eurotunnel passengers forced to leave train beneath English Channel
Videos on social media showed holidaymakers walking through the alternate tunnel alongside the 50 kilometre rail route between Britain and France.
Govt liaising with insurance companies on cover for high-powered e-bikes
Insurance Ireland says it is unaware, at present, of any motor insurance products in Ireland designed for e-bikes.
The Glider: Could Belfast's tram-like bendy bus be the model for other Irish cities?
The system has been suggested as a kind of gateway to light rail infrastructure.
DART services between Connolly Station and Grand Canal Dock closed for weekend
Iarnród Éireann has apologised for any inconvenience caused and has advised customers to check times before travel.
Pledge that new nightclub closing times will mean expanded late-night public transport
Justice Minister Helen McEntee says a taskforce is examining the expansion of late-night public transport for when nightclubs get the green light to stay open later.
The Gluas: Could a ‘very light' rail system end Galway's gridlock and become the city's Luas?
A feasibility study is set to be carried out but campaigners fear it will take a “Dublin-style” approach.
