We need to be less dependent on cars

HOW to change a national addiction to the car is one of the big challenges facing the government as it attempts to bring about a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The number of cars on Irish roads has doubled in 20 years — now at two million or one for every two people.

We’re told that if this trend continues, road transport will account for 40% of total emissions by 2010. In a country where everything seems to be planned to suit the car — out-of-town shopping centres being a glaring example — and where public transport has traditionally been cast in a poor secondary role, this is hardly surprising.