For Immediate Release Cycling Must Be at the Heart of Climate Action Plan 2025

As the Climate Action Plan 2025 (CAP25) is set to go to Cabinet today, the Irish Cycling Campaign is calling on government to clearly back cycling as a core climate solution – and to protect the funding and delivery needed to make it work.

Transport remains Ireland’s fastest-growing source of carbon emissions. If we’re serious about cutting emissions in line with our 2030 targets and our next five year carbon budget, we need fewer cars on the road and more people walking, wheeling and cycling. The upcoming CAP25 is a crucial test of whether the government is willing to take that challenge seriously.

“We need to complete safe, connected cycling networks across all our local authorities in this government’s term – not just plan them,” said Neasa Bheilbigh, Chairperson of the Irish Cycling Campaign. “The infrastructure that’s already in development can transform how people move in towns and cities across Ireland, but only if the political will and funding are there to deliver it.”

While recent years have seen a welcome increase in funding for cycling and walking, the delivery of infrastructure has been uneven. Without strong support in CAP25, Ireland risks falling short on its climate and transport goals.

The Irish Cycling Campaign joins a wide range of civil society voices in calling for a credible Climate Action Plan that prioritises proven solutions like active travel that reduce emissions, improve public health, and create more liveable communities as we move towards our 2030 targets.

ENDS

Additional Stats on Transport Emissions: 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), between 1990 and 2023, transport emissions increased by 129.2%, rising from 5.14 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent to 11.79 million tonnes. This growth is the largest among all sectors during that period. By 2023, transport accounted for 21.4% of Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions, up from 9.3% in 1990. 

​​https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring–assessment/climate-change/ghg/transport/

​ Media Contact:

Neasa Ní Bheilbigh, Chair, Irish Cycling Campaign
Email: [email protected]

Damien O’Tuama, National Cycling Co-ordinator
Email: [email protected]

Dave Tobin, Vice-Chair, Irish Cycling Campaign
Email: [email protected]