Transport professionals, policymakers, researchers and accessibility advocates gathered in Dublin for the CIHT Republic of Ireland Conference 2026: Mobility Safety for All. The event explored how the transport profession can create safer, more inclusive and accessible transport systems by putting people and lived experience at the centre of planning, design and decision-making.
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Opening the conference, delegates heard from the Republic of Ireland region, CIHT Chief Executive Sue Percy, and CIHT President Kate Carpenter, before a series of presentations examined how transport networks can better serve the needs of all users, particularly those who face barriers to mobility.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of Universal Design and the recognition that transport systems are experienced differently by different people. Presentations challenged delegates to move beyond viewing accessibility as a compliance exercise and instead consider how infrastructure, public transport services and public spaces can be designed to support independence, confidence and participation for everyone.
The morning session brought together perspectives from transport authorities and infrastructure providers on integrating accessibility and inclusion into transport planning. Discussions highlighted the value of meaningful engagement with disabled people and user groups throughout project development, emphasising that successful outcomes are achieved when users are involved from the outset rather than consulted after decisions have already been made.
Research presented by Suzanne Meade of Transport Infrastructure Ireland explored the experiences of women in active travel and highlighted the need for a broader understanding of how people travel. Her findings demonstrated that transport is not gender-neutral and that factors such as safety, confidence, connectivity and life circumstances can significantly influence mobility choices. Delegates heard how adopting a more inclusive approach to planning can help create transport systems that respond to the diverse needs of society. Achieving safer mobility requires addressing both actual safety and perceived safety, recognising that people's travel choices are often shaped as much by how safe they feel as by measured risk.
Presentations from disability advocates reinforced the importance of incorporating lived experience into transport design. John Fulham of the Irish Wheelchair Association was encouraged to hear the call coming from inside the house through the previous presentations. He highlighted the barriers faced by wheelchair users and stressed that to avail of active travel, you have to be able to actively travel. People with disabilities must be a key negotiating party to establish national mandatory minimum accessibility standards which need to be legally binding to be effective.
Jamie Millar of Vision Ireland explored the experiences of people with visual impairments, highlighting the importance of clear wayfinding, tactile information and safe crossings. The session reinforced the need to create public spaces that are intuitive, accessible and welcoming for all.
Dr Sarah Rock of Technological University Dublin presented research on Blackrock Main Street, demonstrating how improvements to the public realm can enhance community life, support local economic activity and create more vibrant places for people.
The conference also showcased the talent and innovation within the profession through the CIHT Republic of Ireland Emerging Professional Presentation Competition. Four shortlisted finalists, Ciara Gilroy, Philip Stewart, Leia Torres and Hadley Scott, presented their ideas and research to delegates, demonstrating the breadth of expertise and fresh thinking being developed by the next generation of transport professionals.
Following a highly competitive final, Leia Torres was announced as the winner for her presentation, Leveraging Mobile Data for Enhanced Demographic Insights into Transport Behaviour. Her presentation explored how the FUSION project combined smartphone data and survey responses to deliver richer insights into travel behaviour, supporting more inclusive and evidence-based transport planning.
The competition formed an important part of the day's programme and highlighted CIHT's commitment to supporting and developing future leaders within the transportation profession.
Throughout the conference, speakers highlighted the importance of a whole-journey approach, recognising that a journey is only as accessible as its weakest link. The conference showcased the strength of collaboration across the sector, bringing together representatives from national transport agencies, local government, academia, disability organisations and industry. Their contributions demonstrated the value of combining technical expertise with lived experience to develop solutions that are practical, effective and inclusive.
The conference formed the centrepiece of a wider CIHT Presidential visit programme that also included presentations and site visits with NTA showcasing major active travel and public transport initiatives, such as the BusConnects Programme and Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan currently being delivered across Ireland. These activities provided an opportunity for the CIHT President to see how principles of accessibility, road safety, inclusive design and sustainable mobility are being translated into practice in Ireland.
Concluding the event, delegates reflected on the conference's central message: creating mobility safety for all requires transport professionals to place people at the heart of every decision. By embracing inclusive design, listening to diverse voices and learning from lived experience, the profession can help deliver transport networks that are safer, more accessible and more welcoming for everyone.
Inspired by the discussions at Mobility Safety for All? CIHT Republic of Ireland offers opportunities to connect with peers, develop professionally and help shape the future of transport. Whether through event participation or committee involvement, CIHT members can play an active role in advancing the profession across Ireland.
To learn more or express your interest in getting involved, contact the CIHT Republic of Ireland Committee on info@ciht.ie.
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