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Smarter travel starts here

The way you travel can influence your budget, your health and even the quality of life in your community. Small changes you make today can add up over time.

Your wallet

Your wellbeing

Your world

Did you know?

Air pollution

Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk in Europe, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO estimates that ambient pollution may be the cause of up to 569,000 deaths in Europe.

(World Health Organisation, 2023)

Slowing down

Slowing down reduces fuel use and because of that it is good for your wallet and the planet. Slowing down from 120 km/h to 100 km/h on a motorway journey could save up to 25% on your fuel consumption and costs. Plus, it reduces carbon emissions and improves road safety.

(Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 2022)

Carpool

If four friends carpool on a roundtrip from Dublin to Cork, the cost per person is about €14 (when they split the cost of fuel plus any tolls) versus almost €60 per person if each one drove themselves.

(Based on a 520km Dublin to Cork round trip in an average petrol car)

Why it matters

How we get around effects both the environment and our health. In Ireland, transport is a major source of emissions. Air pollution across Europe affects millions of people.

 21% of Ireland’s emissions come from transport, with 71% of journeys made by car.

 Air pollution affects health across Europe. An estimated 569,000 people die each year due to poor air quality. In Ireland, air pollution estimates link air pollution to 1,400 people dying prematurely each year.

 Cutting transport emissions can lead to cleaner air, lower costs and healthier communities.

(National Transport Authority, 2025) and (World Health Organisation, 2023)

A father sitting in the grass while his son stands next to him, playing with a toy plane

What you can do

Changing the way you travel will make a big difference. Whether it’s a quick swap in your daily routine like, walking to the shops, or a bigger lifestyle shift, like switching to an electric car, every step can help.

A man standing on public transport, he is looking at his phone

Small changes:

Small changes to everyday trips add up over time. Simple choices around active travel and how you drive can help cut fuel use, reduce your stress and improve your health.

 Plan ahead - journey planner apps help you compare routes and make public transport easier to use. Visit the transport of Ireland website.

 Choose active travel - walking or cycling short trips boosts your health and cuts emissions. Visit the World Health Organization's website.

 Get more from your fuel - keep your tyres inflated, service your car and drop your speed to save fuel. Visit Irish EVs website.
A woman riding her bike past a building in a city

Medium changes:

Taking a slightly different approach to how you get around can bring greater savings and flexibility.

 Consider a bike or e-bike - save up to 52% through the Cycle to Work Scheme. Visit citizens information website.

 Swap short car trips - cycling just two short journeys a week could save around €300 a year. This is based on a 10 - 12km round trip from outside Dublin city into the city centre and includes cost of fuel and estimated cost of parking for 2 hours in a city centre location.

 Try park and ride - drive part of the way, then take public transport into busy areas. Visit gov.ie
A young couple sitting at a table in their home, they are reviewing documents and looking at a laptop

Big changes:

Larger changes in how you travel can have the greatest long-term effect on your wallet and carbon footprint.

 Switch to an EV - lower running costs and up to €3,500 in grants for qualifying vehicles. Visit seai.ie to learn about EV grants.

 Charge at home - grants are available to help install a home charger.

 Try car sharing - access a car when you need one without the full cost of ownership.

How AIB supports smarter travel

With the right support you can make how you travel more sustainable. We offer a range of products and initiatives to help you move towards lower-carbon transport while managing costs.

Checklist icon. Green Personal Loans - helping finance electric vehicles and home chargers. Please note 50% of the loan must be used for ‘Green’ purposes, evidenced by a quote or invoice.

Checklist icon. Car leasing options - flexible ways to get newer, more efficient vehicles.

Checklist icon. Green bonds funding - over €5 billion raised since 2020 to support low-carbon infrastructure.

Smarter travel choices can help reduce emissions while also saving money, lowering stress and supporting healthier communities.

This information is not educational sustainability content and is for product awareness only. AIB products are not a requirement to achieve sustainability outcomes.

A happy mother and child enjoying a bike ride

Find out more

Cycle to work scheme: Find out more about the Cycle to Work Scheme on Revenues website.

Resources for Cyclists: Find out more about Resources for Cyclists on the Dublin city council website.

SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) EV: Find out more about electric vehicles on the SEAI website.

Bike parking: Get information on Where Can I Park my Bike?.

Cycle connects: Learn about Cycle connects proposals for each county.

Slow travel, Tourism Ireland: Take It Slow: Why Ireland Is the Perfect Destination for the ‘Unrushed’ Traveller.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more on sustainability

Energy

With the rising cost of energy, making smart changes can help both your wallet as well as the environment.

Nature and the environment

Nature and the environment support our health and wellbeing. They shape the things we depend on; the air we breathe, the water we use and the world around us.

Your Steps to Sustainability

Living sustainably doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. But if that is something you want, we can help you to build a sustainable future.