Edinburgh Napier University

  this policy study to assess Ireland’s transport planning framework and its alignment with Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) and Sustainable Urban Logistics Plans (SULPs). This research builds upon two previous studies that examined the state of sustainable transport policies in Ireland and the industry’s perception of these policies. A key challenge identified in prior research was the spatial planning of transport infrastructure, particularly regarding sustainable mobility and logistics planning in both urban and rural areas.

Transport planning is vital for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and efficient mobility. However, Ireland's current transport planning process is fragmented, involving multiple governing bodies, complex appraisal procedures, and inconsistent policy implementation. The lack of a coherent national framework for SUMPs/SULPs has resulted in varied levels of adoption across different localities, leaving many regions underprepared for the upcoming EU-mandated deadlines. The revised Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) regulations require Member States to establish a national SUMP support programme by July 2025 and mandate that urban nodes within the TEN-T core and comprehensive networks implement SUMPs by 2027. These requirements emphasise the urgency for Ireland to enhance its transport planning strategies to meet EU compliance standards, avoid penalties, and secure long-term urban and economic resilience.

This study examines Ireland’s planning guidelines, stakeholder involvement, and barriers to the future adoption of SUMPs/SULPs. Using a mixed-methods approach, including focus groups and structured surveys, the study evaluates stakeholder perceptions and identifies critical gaps in policy alignment, funding availability, and statutory backing. The PROMETHEE multi-criteria decision analysis tool was employed to systematically assess the level of SUMP/SULP integration across different Irish localities, revealing significant disparities in readiness and implementation, particularly in rural areas.

Based on these findings, the report presents key policy recommendations to improve Ireland’s transport planning framework. These include establishing a statutory basis for SUMPs/SULPs, creating a national SUMP support framework, increasing funding and resource allocation, and prioritising data-driven planning and inter-agency coordination. By addressing these systemic gaps, Ireland can ensure compliance with EU regulations, enhance sustainable transport planning, and foster a more resilient, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transport system.