The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today published the findings of the 2024 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), offering a comprehensive snapshot of how people across Ireland navigate their daily lives across the country.
Conducted between September and December 2024, the household travel data is used for transport modelling, planning and investment. This survey further supports the government’s Climate Action Plan by tracking evolving travel behaviours nationwide.
The 2024 survey saw strong engagement, with over 4,000 households contributing nearly 10,000 travel diaries over a two-day period. The data provides valuable insights into trip frequency, purpose, and mode of transport.
Cars remain the dominant mode of travel, accounting for over 70% of daily trips. However, the survey reveals a growth in cycling at national level. Furthermore, children aged 4-14 years are shifting to more sustainable travel modes in rural areas and urban areas outside of the cities.
People aged 15 to 24 have the highest level of sustainable travel, with only 59% relying on cars. In contrast, car dependency for adults aged 55 to 64 has increased, and they were the most car-dependent group in 2024 with 77% of their trips made by car.
Work and education continue to be the primary reasons for daily travel. For journeys over 50 kilometres, 81% are made by car, with visiting friends/relatives and social visits among the top reasons.
According to the survey, car usage has increased slightly compared to 2023, while walking and bus usage have declined marginally. These national statistics may mask localised changes driven by initiatives such as the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and BusConnects Network Redesigns.
The 2024 NHTS reinforces Ireland’s commitment to understanding and improving its transport infrastructure. As the country advances its Climate Action Plan, these insights will be instrumental in shaping policies that promote greener, more efficient mobility for all.
please read the 2024 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) Report here.
