The greenhouse effect will undoubtedly be one of the most serious problems facing mankind in the 21st century. Its effects are both immeasurable and irreversible. They include climatic changes, rising sea levels, famine. The greenhouse effect is caused by the emission of certain gases, especially carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere and is directly linked to man's use of fossil fuels (oil, coal, etc).

Transport is central to the problem and is responsible for one fifth of all carbon dioxide emissions today. 80 to 90% of the emissions attributed to the transport sector are due to cars and lorries. Moreover, emission levels are increasing faster than technological progress due to the total dependency of road and air transport on oil and to the increase in traffic.

Despite the overall objectives for reducing emissions proposed by governments, which are insufficient according to scientific experts, the transport system is heading for an inextricable situation.

Rail Transport can help

Rail transport offers great potential for solving the "mobility or environment" dilemma in view of its recognised environmental advantages over other modes of transport.

Trains are more energy-efficient than other modes and, by using electricity, can easily adapt to different sources of energy, in particular those that are renewable and less polluting. Trains have a better ratio of CO2 emissions to traffic when compared to other modes.

On this basis, trains can offer a much more efficient and environmentally friendly means of transport for:

• urban and local passenger services
• intercity and, particularly, high speed services
• freight services and, particularly, combined transport

A move towards cleaner modes of transport and, in particular, the train appears to be increasingly necessary in the most developed countries.

Higher Energy Efficiency. Lower CO2 Emissions

Railways represent the most environmentally friendly mode of transport in terms of energy consumption and, therefore, carbon dioxide emissions. Their environmentally friendly qualities also include limited land-take, high safety standards and virtual absence of pollution in all its forms. Rail transport is highly energy efficient.

Freight Traffic

Take the example of rail freight. Rail is an ideal, transport mode for the haulage of regular, high tonnage bulk traffic, such as waste, conveyed in fully enclosed 20' container units. Transportation of waste by rail is standard commercial practice in Britain, across Europe and in many parts of the United States. Each trainload can convey 300/360 tonne of waste per train movement, the equivalent of between 25/30 individual laden truck loads or 50/60 laden/empty road vehicle movements per journey.

As a freight transport mode, the railway has many environmental logistical and economic advantages over conventional direct road transportation. The railway helps to reduce indirect costs to the community through a decrease in road traffic, noise and pollution levels and, as a transport mode, it is highly energy efficient.

Research

Extensive research in Ireland and in other E.U. States shows that freight trains consume about four times less energy per tonne kilometre than road vehicles. The Community of European Railways has published research which demonstrates clearly that the railway is friendlier to the environment than the road mode, causing fewer accidents, less congestion and emitting less noise and atmospheric pollution. In addition the railway requires less land, causes less visual intrusion and gives rise to less vibration and water pollution.

Passenger Traffic

A morning peak-time DART may have up to 1,300 people on board, taking many cars off the road. In the DART corridor, where there is a frequent service, the market usage of public transport is double that of other parts of the Greater Dublin area. This shows the environmental benefits of the transfer to rail, by reducing gridlock and all the associated pollution it brings.

Commitment

Iarnród Éireann is committed to operating in an environmentally sound manner, and to encouraging the expansion of rail as a mode of transport for passengers and freight in order to reduce the greenhouse effect and other forms of pollution.