Government Unveils Five-Year Plan to Transform Ireland's Transport System
Government launches five-year transport plan with Cork commuter rail and BusConnects Cork among key commitments.
The Government has launched two major new transport strategies aimed at reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and expanding sustainable travel options across Ireland, with significant investment earmarked for Cork.
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Seán Canney announced the Moving Together strategy and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP) Action Plan 2026-2030, describing them as complementary frameworks designed to future-proof the country's transport network.
Cork commuters will have particular reason to take notice, with the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and BusConnects Cork both listed among the key commitments to be progressed under the new SMP Action Plan.
The Action Plan sets out 95 specific actions to be delivered over the next five years, with clearly defined outputs and delivery timelines. Among the national highlights are the commencement of MetroLink construction by the end of 2027, the Luas Finglas extension by 2029, and the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.
Minister O'Brien said:
"The Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan supports the delivery of over 40 transport-related commitments in the Programme for Government. This includes major public transport projects such as MetroLink, BusConnects, DART+, and Cork Commuter Rail, as well as ongoing investment in active travel infrastructure and the Safe Routes to School programme."
The Moving Together strategy takes a broader systems approach, seeking to reduce traffic congestion and transport-related air pollution through collaboration across government, business, and communities. It contains 32 recommendations grouped under 11 headings, with a focus on demand management and transport efficiency.
Minister Canney said:
"The Moving Together strategy and the new SMP Action Plan, combined, take a comprehensive and practical approach to addressing the challenges that many people face in accessing sustainable transport, particularly those in rural areas."
Both plans form part of the Government's Avoid-Shift-Improve framework for decarbonising transport. The SMP Action Plan represents the "Shift" element, expanding the availability of public transport and active travel options, while Moving Together addresses the "Avoid" element by seeking to reduce unnecessary journeys and improve overall system efficiency.
The plans also include measures aimed at improving accessibility for disabled people, including expanding the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Taxi Grant Scheme, reducing notice requirements for disabled users of rail and bus services, and extending the Independent Travel Support scheme.
Progress on the SMP Action Plan will be overseen by the SMP Leadership Group, chaired by the Minister for Transport, with annual progress reports to be published.