21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland still a largely car-dependent society, study finds
The majority of Irish commuters still depend on the car as their primary mode of transport, according to a recent study conducted by Carzone.
The study also found that car dependency is especially prevalent in rural areas, where over 90 per cent of licence holders said they regularly drive. By comparison, 79 per cent of urban-based licence holders rely on their cars to get around.
The findings, published in Carzone's 2025 Motoring Report, also shed light on the driving habits of parents, with 1,000 Irish motorists surveyed as part of the study. 53 per cent of parents said that they driver their children to school, while 39 per cent integrate their commute with the school run.
Safety concerns are cited as the main reason behind this trend, with 36 per cent of parents citing safety among their chief reasons for transporting their children by car.
Additionally, the study also found that 98 per cent of parents hold a driving licence, compared with 94 per cent of non-parents - highlighting the importance of owning and driving a car among families. Similarly, 87 per cent of parents commute by car, with 78 per cent of non-parents doing the same.
Car ownership is also a prime priority among parents, with 71 per cent of parents owning a car outright. Conversely, 66 per cent of non-parents own a car in full.
Many parents feel owning a car is a necessity towards raising a family - 12 per cent of carless parents say they don't need one, in sharp comparison to the 52 per cent of non-parents who believe that they do.
'This year's report reflects the evolving needs of Irish parents, highlighting a clear preference for vehicles that deliver convenience, practicality, and time-saving benefits during busy family routines," said Carzone's Martin O'Neill.
Carzone has always focused on understanding consumer needs, and as family life becomes increasingly demanding, we're committed to offering insights that help parents navigate their daily journeys more efficiently and comfortably.'
Carzone's full and comprehensive 2025 Motoring Report is available here.