Ireland

R&I Background

Ireland has a robust research and innovation (R&I) ecosystem, driven by strategic investments and policies aimed at addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

In 2020, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment published Innovation 2020, a five-year strategy on research, development, science, and technology. The document outlines the roadmap for advancing towards the goal of positioning Ireland as a Global Innovation Leader, fostering a robust, sustainable economy and an improved society.

In 2021 the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science published National Research and Innovation Strategy 2021-27, which focuses on transforming Ireland through strategic R&I investments.  The document aimed to highlight key issues identified during initial consultations with major stakeholders. It also emphasized the strong commitment at the EU level for research and innovation (R&I) to support societal recovery from the pandemic and equip Europe to face the challenges of the next decade and beyond.

In 2022 the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science published Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy, a comprehensive plan to maximize the impact of R&I on national priorities. This document outlines how Ireland intends to put research and innovation at the heart of unlocking Ireland’s social, economic and environmental challenges across a variety of sectors, including transport.

As part of this, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s new Evidence for Policy unit will develop tools to better link public policymakers and the public research system. This approach will be combined with developing new, innovative solutions in the transport sector, among others, to respond to the challenges of climate change and embrace opportunities.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has also launched an updated “Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027”. It aims to improve the important connections between national research and innovation policy and regional enterprise policy.

In addition, Ireland’s National Sustainable Mobility Policy aims to deliver at least 500,000 additional daily active travel and public transport journeys by 2030 and a 10% reduction in the number of kilometres driven by fossil fuelled cars. It also has been designed to make it easier for people to choose walking, cycling and use public transport daily instead of having to use a petrol or diesel car.

Transport research in Ireland is based on the national research policy, transport research policy and planning documents. Sustainability is high on the transport policy agenda. Key documents for transport research and policy include:

• National Sustainable Mobility Policy: Aims to enhance sustainable transport options across the country. The policy looks to improve and expand walking, cycling and public transport options across the country to help you travel more sustainably
• Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan 2022 - 2025: sets out a strategic framework to 2030 for active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport journeys to help Ireland meet its climate obligations.
• National Development Plan 2021-2030: it prioritizes sustainable transport with significant investments in walking, cycling, and public transport infrastructure.
• Draft Integrated Implementation Plan 2019-2024: outlines Ireland's strategic approach to developing and enhancing public transport, cycling, and walking infrastructure. It focuses on improving transport services, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainability.
• Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2016-2035: sets a long-term vision for the development of a sustainable, efficient, and integrated transport system in the Greater Dublin Area. It focuses on enhancing public transport, cycling, and walking infrastructure, as well as managing road networks to reduce congestion
• Accessible Transport Strategy 2025: aims to create an inclusive and accessible transport network in Northern Ireland, particularly for older people and individuals with disabilities. It focuses on five key themes: improving the accessibility of public and wider transport networks, enhancing the customer experience and accessibility of information, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders
• National roads 2040: it is a long-term strategy for planning and maintaining the national roads network. The plan supports Project Ireland 2040 and aligns with national transport policies like the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI).
• National Cycle Policy Framework 2009-2020: set out a comprehensive strategy to promote cycling as a mainstream mode of transport. Its goals included increasing cycling's modal share for commuting and travel, improving infrastructure, and fostering a cycling culture.