Solutions

One off housing and sustainable transport
In 2001 the Department of the Environment revealed that 30- 40% of annual home completions are single houses in the country-side3, occupied by commuters. One-off housing offers less possibilities for public transport to be developed because the low population density makes it economically unsustainable. However, public transport makes sound environmental sustainable sense.

The alternative is called well-planned family-oriented urban areas and villages. This requires major changes in planning procedures, people's housing demands and new investment in public transport. It also means addressing our car addiction, Which is something that all of us can do while we wait for the policies to catch up!

Trains

The much-needed upgrade of Irish railways is under way. Restoring and keeping these lines open is vital to cutting traffic-jams. It also saves money by using existing resources, instead of buillding noisy motorways, or toll roads. Trains are less polluting and cause less damage to small towns and the environment.
Timetables at: www.irishrail.ie