Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 3

Written Answers. - Car Ownership.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

195 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if car ownership per capita in Ireland is greater or lesser than that in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the implications this has on the development of future road infrastructure. [2381/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Information on car ownership in EU member states for the latest available year is set out in the following table.

While car ownership is increasing in Ireland, it remains significantly lower than in the EU as a whole. The growth in car ownership, together with increased car usage, presents an obvious challenge for sustainable development in Ireland.

Major roads infrastructural needs for the medium to long-term are at present being addressed in a roads needs study, soon to be completed. An integrated approach to managing future road transport demands will also require investment in an ongoing support for public transport, promotion of alternative modes such as cycling and walking, better linkages with land-use planning, and demand management-restraint measures. Consideration will also arise as to how road transport taxes can better be adjusted to influence the use of motor vehicles.

Car Ownership in the EU — 1995

Number per 1,000 inhabitants

Belgium	421
Germany	495
Denmark	321
Spain	362
France	439
Greece	208
Italy	541
Ireland	265
Luxembourg	561
Netherlands	388
Portugal	272
UK	357
Austria	446
Finland	372
Sweden	415
EU-15	428