Press Statement

Preasráiteas

14 June 2021

Go to release: Transport Bulletin June 2021

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (14 June 2021) published its latest Transport Bulletin. The bulletin captures the impact of the latest COVID-19 restrictions on traffic volumes and the number of journeys taken on public transport. This bulletin is compiled using data collected by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Road Safety Authority, the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Transport.

The volume of cars on Irish roads has been rising slowly since the start of the year following the move to Level 5 restrictions in December and more rapidly since travel restrictions lifted on 10 May. The easing of travel restrictions is also reflected in the greater use of public transport. Latest available data show the total number of rail and bus journeys are at their highest since the beginning of 2021.

Commenting on this latest bulletin, Dr Nele van der Wielen, Statistician, said: “The COVID-19 restrictions continue to have a significant influence on traffic volumes, but the data also reveals an increase in travel associated with the recent lifting of restrictions.

On 10 May (beginning of week 19) the country-wide travel restrictions changed from a 20km radius or anywhere within your own county to anywhere within Ireland. Car traffic volumes increased significantly in the week beginning 10 May compared with the previous week. That week saw an increase of 18% in car traffic volumes in selected regional sites. Car traffic volumes in the week beginning 24 May were nearly twice as high in regional locations than in the same week of 2020, however volumes were still 17% lower than the equivalent week of 2019.

The lifting of travel restrictions within Ireland is also reflected in the increased usage of public transport. Latest available data on the total number of rail and bus journeys indicates they are now at their highest level since the beginning of 2021.”

Further commenting on the Transport Bulletin, Dr Nele van der Wielen said: “COVID-19 continues to have a major impact on airport passenger numbers, however, the number of passengers travelling through Dublin airport in April 2021 grew by 9% compared with the previous month.”

 This bulletin will be updated on a regular basis to measure the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on transport. Future editions will be located on the CSO COVID-19 Information Hub.

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