Walking and cycling is taking some 680,000 cars off roads every day in Ireland's five largest cities, according to the NTA.

The results of a survey published today found that more than half of adults in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford, walk five or more days a week – while 15% cycle once a week.

It also found one in two residents want to walk more in the future, while a third would like to cycle more.

In Dublin City, some 74% of respondents said Government should spend more on cycling and walking, while 68% said the same in Waterford City.

Active travel

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the study, which was the largest ever undertaken by the NTA in this area, found there is an appetite for more active travel infrastructure.

“People in Ireland’s five largest cities want to cycle and walk each day,” he said.

“By encouraging people to make active travel a part of their daily journey, we can all play our part in creating a more sustainable future.

“The NTA will continue to accelerate our efforts to roll out walking and cycling infrastructure in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and other areas across Ireland.”

A segregated cycle route from Clontarf to Amiens Street in Dublin, 07-08-2017. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

The study found that 530,000 return car trips are saved daily thanks to people walking and cycling.

It said 18,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases are saved every year thanks to walking and cycling in Cork.

Some 88% of Galway residents say their city needs more segregated cycle lanes.

In Limerick, €4.54m in healthcare costs are estimated to be saved annually thanks to the physical benefits of active travel.

Promoting

NTA CEO Anne Graham said the organisation will continue to promote walking and cycling in Ireland.

“By encouraging people to make active travel a part of their daily journey, we can all play our part in creating a more sustainable future,” she said.

"The NTA will continue to accelerate our efforts to roll out walking and cycling infrastructure in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and other areas across Ireland.”

The total value of cycling and walking in Ireland's five major cities to the national economy is estimated to be €3nb annually by the NTA.

Main image: A cycleway along the River Liffey in Dublin. Image: noel bennett / Alamy Stock Photo