Public Transport - Overall, public transport uses less then half as much fuel per passenger then a private car. It's hard to get the bus though if there is no bus to catch. Let your TD know that an efficient public transport system is important to you. 

Cycling - Getting around by bike is one of the most environmentally friendly actions you can take. However, cycling in congested cities can be a fraught experience. Although local authorities are making an effort to implement a network of cycle lanes these can often be a planning afterthought and lead the cyclist into the middle of traffic, are tagged onto bus lanes or end abrubtly. You can vote with your feet - the more people cycling in our cities the more awarness will increase but take care; know the rules of the road, don't take risks and wear a helmet. For more information on cycling campaigns visit the Dublin Cycling Campaign website. 

Walking - It is estimated that 20% of traffic in rush hour during term time is due to the school run. Using your own two feet is often the quickest way to make short journeys in our gridlocked cities. If you live near to school maybe try walking the kids one day you might find you get a chance to talk to neighbours and your children without the stress of traffic. Car free day happens accross Ireland every year and some schools organise a 'Walking Bus' for more information on such initiativs visit the SEI website .

Alternative Fuels - There is currently a lot of research into alternative sources of fuel to petrol. These are collectively refered to as Biofuels. Biofuels are renewable transport fuels, which have significantly less CO₂ emissions than their fossil fuel equivalents. They are available in three forms:

• Pure Plant Oil – made from oil seed rape crop and used in vehicles with modified engines; Engine modification costs approx €1,500.
• Bio-diesel – made from oil seed rape crop, recovered vegetable oil and tallow and blended with diesel in a 5% mix. Engine modifications are not required; it should be noted that recovered vegetable oil (RVO) is no longer permitted as animal feed, since November 2004, and an opportunity now exists to use RVO as a feedstock in bio-diesel production.
• Bio-ethanol – made from sugar beet or wheat and blended with petrol in a 5% mix for use in standard petrol engines, or up to 85% mix for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs). Engine modifications are not required.