In October, Smart Dublin contributed to a panel discussion and workshop to accelerate a sustainable mobility transition for Ireland. The session was organised by the Sustainable Mobility Academy (SMA), an initiative of the Regional Assemblies and one of the Department of Transport’s Pathfinder Programme. The event was an opportunity for shared learning, fostering collaboration, and showcasing the positive strides made in sustainable mobility.
The workshop emphasized the vital role of academia and innovation in shaping the future of Ireland’s sustainable mobility. A key theme that arose was bridging the gap between policy and practice, encouraging collaboration between researchers and local authorities to deliver real-world solutions. Behavioural change was highlighted as a major challenge, and although infrastructure is improving, shifting public habits requires deeper engagement with the help of behavioural science.
Data was another key focus of the workshop. Ireland has strong transport datasets, but they have been found to be disconnected and underutilized. Participants stressed the need to combine quantitative and qualitative insights for more inclusive planning. Innovation was seen as essential aspect but hindered by procurement, governance, and capacity issues. Calls were made for more enabling environments, including flexible funding and community-led pilots.
Overall, the event reinforced that leadership, collaboration, and experimentation are crucial to accelerating Ireland’s mobility transition.