Latest CSO data shows that car traffic volumes are now at 90% of August 2019 levels in the Dublin area, and 88% of August 2019 levels in regional locations.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGV) traffic volumes are 3% higher in Dublin, and 4% higher in regional sites, compared with the same week in 2020, the latest transport bulletin shows.

In August 2021, a total of 8,563 new private cars were licensed in Ireland, compared with 7,360 in August 2020 – an increase of 16%. This compares with 7,202 new private cars licensed in August 2019.

And the number of passengers travelling through Dublin Airport in July rose by 125% compared with the previous month, after non-essential international travel returned on 19 July.

Declining gap

Statistician Nele van der Wielen commented: “Today’s figures from the CSO show that car traffic volumes have not returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, but the gap between 2021 and 2019 figures is gradually declining.

“Latest available data for the week beginning 30 August (week 35) show that the volume of private cars in regional locations are 5% higher than in the same week of 2020; however, car-traffic volumes are still 12% lower than in week 35 of 2019.”