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Sustainable mobility in rural Ireland: Insights from the 2024 Index

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The Irish Western Development Commission (WDC) has released the Sustainable Mobility Index 2024, highlighting transport progress in 40 rural towns across Ireland’s Western Region. The report measures accessibility, connectivity, and sustainability in transport services—key factors in reducing carbon emissions and ensuring social inclusion in rural communities, writes Claus Köllinger.

The index evaluates 30 indicators across three main themes: readiness for low-carbon transition, access to social services, and access to employment. These include the availability of public and active travel infrastructure, affordability, and how well communities are linked to essential services and job opportunities.

Westport climbed three places in the index and ranks first in 2024, thanks to the impact of sustained investment in public and active transport. Other towns such as Claremorris and Ballyhaunis also showed marked improvement, with Ballyhaunis jumping 14 places.

The index also highlights persistent challenges. Rural residents face travel distances to basic services like supermarkets or pharmacies that are on average seven times longer than for urban dwellers. This reality is especially pressing, as rural populations are generally older, have lower incomes, and higher dependency ratios than the national average.

To address these issues, the report emphasises the need for targeted investment in rural transport infrastructure and services. Quality public transport links are critical not just for reducing emissions but also for supporting rural economies and communities.

The Sustainable Mobility Index offers vital data to inform national policy, helping ensure that investments in thriving communities are delivered all over the country, especially in rural areas. It underscores that equitable transport solutions are essential to achieving both climate and social goals.

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Article published by Social Justice Ireland on 10 April 2025.

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