Walking for transport in Ireland: An analysis of nationally representative trip data

Overview

Behavioural Insights for Policy series: Primary Research 

Year: 2026

Topic: Sustainable mobility

Methodology: Survey

Authors: Robert Egan, Ciarán Lavin, Hannah Julienne 

Description:

In the context of Ireland, walking is a prominent feature of sustainable transport and planning policy. It is the second most common mode of transport nationwide. While existing studies have examined walking as a primary commute mode in Ireland, in this study, we investigated the factors that influence ‘utility’ walking trips more broadly (i.e., any trip taken for practical rather than recreational purposes), using nationally representative monthly trip data for 2023 from Ireland’s Behavioural Energy and Travel Tracker (BETT).

We analysed 7798 utility trips under 5 km (i.e., a plausible walking range) by any mode and produced disaggregated models of walking behaviour by region and gender. Compared to walking trips outside Dublin, walking trips in Dublin were less determined by particular trip purposes and were not significantly shaped by gender and age, suggesting a more versatile culture of walking for everyday mobility in this context. In our gendered models, women's walking trips were uniquely negatively associated with very wet conditions and dark evenings. 

Based on our findings, first, we suggest that x-minute city planning that advances the walkability of key non-residential destinations of everyday travel can support higher levels of walking across Ireland. Second, we suggest walking can be made more accessible for women by providing improved shelter, drainage, lighting, and passive surveillance across Ireland's walking networks. Please read our dedicated policy brief for more information.