Events

An efficient, high-performing transport system provides an essential backbone to any successful economy. The last fifteen years have seen a remarkable transformation in the Irish economy, which, although a massively positive development for the country, has brought with it challenges, particularly for the transport system with increased demand for travel and transport, for both people and goods.

Although the government’s Transport 21 programme is investing €34 billion in national roads, public transport and regional airports in the period up to 2015, this alone will not meet the challenges of providing a transport system capable of supporting a successful all-island economy. More will be needed if Ireland is to look forward to a sustainable transport future. Minister Dempsey has recently launched a consultation to feed into the development of the government’s Sustainable Travel and Transport Plan to 2020 which suggests that individual travel behaviour will have to change and people will have to make ‘smarter travel’ choices.

This conference has been organised to examine how, in practice, Ireland can have a modern and sustainable transport future that will connect the all-island economy, meet the needs of business and individuals but which also increases sustainability and reduces the impact of the transport sector on the environment.

Amongst the speakers at this event is Aidan Gough, Strategy & Policy Director at InterTradeIreland who will talk about the latest InterTradeIreland research report - 'Freight Transport - An All-Island Perspective' .

The Report provides policy makers and industry stakeholders with an understanding of the status of the freight industry and to provide an appreciation of its role in supporting economic growth and industrial development. It sets out the opportunities, constraints and key issues for freight on the island of Ireland over the next 10 – 15 years.