General Information » Getting Around » Car

In 2002 the Central Statistics Office published findings that Irish people rely heavily on their cars – although this was hardly news to the thousands of commuters in the gridlock every working day. In fact, it was found that the majority of people use their vehicle at least twice a day. With the number of new private car licences reaching a peak last year, this problematic trend is bound to continue.

In 2005, the government launched its 10 year programme Transport 21, a project aimed at improving the life of the Irish motorist considerably. Major objectives include completion of the inter-urban network routes by 2010 (738km motorway or roads of equivalent standard) as well as the creation of 150km high-quality dual carriageways and 300km single carriageway routes by 2015. While this is certainly a step in the right direction, for many Dubliners, it is too little, too late.

With the annual distance covered by Irish motorists now approaching twice the European average, driving in Dublin is as little for the fainthearted as it is for those who watch every penny. The city is choked with traffic and construction, adding to the nightmare of high taxes (www.motortax.ie), pricey parking and toll road fees. Where parking is at a premium, parking meters and ‘pay & display’ spots can set you back €1.00 per hour, and sometimes almost triple that depending on the zone. Yellow zone parking costs €2.70 per hour, red zone is €2.20 per hour, green zone €1.50 per hour, orange zone €1.00 per hour. Zones are clearly marked and colour coded on the ‘pay & display’ notices.

Free parking (in metered spots or within single yellow lines) is only available after 19:00 on Saturday but all day Sunday. Supervised car parks are pricey, but constitute a good option if you are staying overnight or you have a foreign number plate, as the percentage of break-ins and car theft remains relatively high.

As in the UK, cars drive on the left and the alcohol limit is 80mg per 100ml of blood. EU, US and international driving licences are valid. If not otherwise signposted, speed limits are 30mph in the city, 60mph on primary roads and 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways. Seatbelts must be worn at all times and children under the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in the front (for further regulations, please check with the Department of Transport, www.transport.ie).