Ireland’s young people are calling for a radical overhaul of the nation's transport network, demanding a system that is safer, more inclusive, and significantly better connected, writes Brian Byrne. The National Youth Assembly on Transport 2025 has published a comprehensive report outlining key recommendations to transform how people navigate the country, particularly the youth and those in rural areas.
The report highlights unified digital management of all transport networks, expansion of rail services, a right to safe and accessible transport, school transport issues, and the incentivisation of active travel as priorities.
Delegates proposed the development of a single, high-quality app for all transport modes—including bus, train, and LUAS—featuring live timetables, route planners, and integrated ticketing. The report also suggests enabling Leap Cards to be added to online wallets and ensuring all buses accept card payments.
The government is urged to revisit major rail projects, specifically the revival of the Metro West light rail and the DART underground plan. There is also a strong demand to expand train services to Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan, and to reopen disused lines across the island, such as the Western Rail Corridor connecting Galway to Sligo.
The assembly emphasised that transport must be a basic right accessible to everyone, regardless of disability or location. Key recommendations include the provision of level boarding, ramps, and accessible bus stops. More staff and CCTV are needed at stations and on vehicles to combat anti-social behaviour. Expanding transport options and frequency in rural areas to ensure equal access to education and work is another demand.
On school transport, delegates highlighted issues of overcrowding and early start times. Proposed solutions include a subsidised student bus app that notifies parents when their child taps their Leap Card, better alignment of bus schedules with school and work hours, and prioritising safe school walkways and traffic calming measures around educational centres.
The report suggests significant investment in Active Travel, including building protected cycle lanes and footpaths to European standards. Proposed financial incentives include removing VAT from the cost of buying a bike, and introducing a congestion charge for cars, with the revenue redirected into developing active travel infrastructure.
