Up to 1995, there has been a considerable infrastructure deficit in Ireland compared to the mainland Europe. This has been changing remarkably with the strong economic growth and since then there has been increased spending on infrastructure with large investments made in the transport sector. However, the emphasis has primarily been on road transport to date.
In order to measure the impact of the transport sector and to show the importance of acting now, the Tipperary Energy Agency has carried out a study: Ireland
County Tipperary Energy and Emissions Balance 2007. The Energy and Emissions Balance adresses energy production and consumption on a sectoral and fuel basis.
In County Tipperary transport is estimated to account for 44% of Total Final Consumption in 2005 (an increase from 32% in 1990). Vehicle ownership has increased dramatically in the County, mirroring the National trends, with a 78% increase evident between 1990 and 2004. With car numbers projected to double by 2020 there is an urgent need to increase the use of more energy efficient modes of transport. County Tipperary is somewhat unique in the MOVE partnership in that it is focusing on a rural area, which presents additional challenges in affecting modal shifts.
One of the key policies in relation to transport in the rural areas of Ireland is the Rural Transport Initiative for the development of pilot transport projects in rural areas. Such an initiative has been launched in South Tipperary and surrounding counties. The impact of this initiative will be measured by the TEA.
As part of the MOVE project, the Tipperary Energy Agency will also focus on increasing the awareness among children and parents. Nowadays, most of the children go to school by car. To shift this trend, the Tipperary Energy Agency is working to set up the first Walking Bus in the County. Once it is set up, it is hoped that this first example of a new way to go to school -without using the car!- will encourage other childrens in the school to join the walking bus and other schools to set up their own.
In order to meet the development, TEA will create a Virtual Mobility Agency within the scope for the Tipperary Energy Agency’s operations. The Agency will have strong links to other Energy Agencies, LEADER organisations, Regional Authorities and Local Authorities which will form a Tipperary Transport Forum. The Mobility Agency will work with the Forum towards achieving the goal set out in the SERA Transport Strategy of creating a Regional Mobility Planning Office.
TEA MOVE newsletter summer 2007