Evidence-Based Walking Actions

TU Dublin is supporting the Government of Ireland by conducting research, collecting local data and providing expert training for staff to improve the effectiveness and impact of walking policy. Civil engineers, transport planners, health and physical activity experts, architects and urban designers are in collaboration with academics.

We will explore the walking research, data collection and training systems that are increasing knowledge, skills and building capacity for delivering actions for people walking.

Active Places for People

Streetscape improvements and networks of walking trails in both rural and urban areas are being developed by Sport Ireland and the Irish transport agencies to connect more people with quality infrastructure and support healthy lifestyles.

We will explore how places have been transformed to support and encourage more walking, and the impact that has had on the quality of life all year round.

Including All People Walking

Encouraging more people to walk more often is a common goal. Understanding the different walking needs of women, children, the elderly, people on low incomes and those with disabilities in particular is helping the Government of Ireland to ensure their policy and investment decisions are inclusive and responsive.

We will explore how citizens have been engaged, different needs identified from different groups and investments in walkability tailored in response.

The Decade to Change

One of the first national campaigns – ‘Get Ireland Walking’ – has, for several years, promoted and celebrated the positive outcomes of people walking. Increasingly walking is being valued and measured as integral to addressing the climate emergency and delivering the Sustainable Development Goal commitments.

We will explore how walking is being valued, invested in and monitored, especially in relation to SDGs. This could include examples of walking in road danger reduction plans, Nationally Determined Contributions or more accessible public transport, etc.