The National Transport Authority (NTA), alongside Minister of State at the Department of Transport Séan Canney, today marked a major milestone in Ireland’s journey towards more sustainable and active travel with the presentation of the 150th Smarter Travel Mark. The National Library of Ireland has been honoured as the recipient of this landmark award.
The Smarter Travel Mark provides national recognition of an organisation’s commitment to active and sustainable travel, enhancing its reputation and enabling benchmarking of active and sustainable travel practices among sector peers.
Open to organisations of all sizes across the public and private sectors, the award recognises organisations that have implemented effective measures to encourage walking, cycling, public transport and carpooling, supporting a shift away from single‑occupancy car use.
Since its launch under the Department of Transport’s Pathfinder Programme, the Smarter Travel Mark has seen consistent growth, reflecting a rising commitment among organisations nationwide to sustainable commuting and business travel, and supporting long‑term behavioural change.
From an initial twenty-five awardees in 2023, participation has grown rapidly with organisations of all sizes, from large national employers to small and medium‑sized enterprises, now recognised for their efforts.
Award recipients have implemented a wide range of practical, impactful measures including enhanced cycling facilities, public transport incentives, carpooling initiatives, staff travel planning, bike repair stations, sustainable mobility hubs and behaviour change campaigns within the workplace or campus.
Awardees to date include Business in the Community Ireland, Cork City Council, Clúid Housing, Department of Transport, Google, Sligo University Hospital, Stryker, University of Limerick and many more, spanning government departments, local authorities, hospitals, universities, private companies, and state agencies across Ireland.
Speaking on the most recent mark, Minister for State Séan Canney welcomed the milestone, saying: “Reaching the 150th Smarter Travel Mark is a significant milestone and demonstrates the vital role organisations are playing in supporting Ireland’s climate action goals. By encouraging practical changes such as walking, cycling, public transport use and carpooling, the Smarter Travel Mark is helping to reduce emissions, cut congestion and create healthier communities. I commend all of the organisations recognised to date, and particularly the National Library of Ireland on becoming the 150th recipient.”
Anne Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of the NTA, added: “The 150th Smarter Travel Mark is a milestone, reflecting the growing commitment to more sustainable travel, reducing single-occupancy car journeys and lowering carbon emissions. The Smarter Travel Mark recognises the organisations that are taking real, measurable steps to support walking, cycling, public transport and carpooling. We look forward to welcoming many more organisations in the months ahead.”
As Ireland works toward its climate targets, the 150th Smarter Travel Mark stands as a potent symbol of collective progress with organisations around the country playing their part in creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.
For more information or to apply for the Smarter Travel Mark, visit: www.smartertravelmark.ie
