Car traffic volumes have not yet reached pre-COVID-19 levels but the gap between 2021 and 2019 figures is gradually declining, according to new CSO figures.

The transport bulletin shows that car traffic volumes are now at 87% of July 2019 levels in the Dublin area and 90% of July 2019 levels in regional locations.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGV) traffic volumes meanwhile, are 2% lower in Dublin and 3% lower in regional sites compared with the same week in 2020.

The number of new cars licensed in July 2021 rose by 4,903 vehicles compared with July 2020 and by 1,491 vehicles compared with July 2019.

The number of passengers travelling through the main airports in June 2021 was more than three times higher than it was in June 2020.

However, the number of passengers travelling through the main airports in June 2021 was still 92% lower than the same month in 2019.

Lifting of restrictions

Statistician Nele van der Wielen said: “Today’s figures from the CSO show that car traffic volumes increased over the first seven months of 2021 in line with the gradual lifting of travel restrictions. 

“Latest available data for the week beginning 26 July show that the volume of private cars in regional locations are 8% higher than in the same week of 2020, however, car traffic volumes are still 10% lower than in week 30 of 2019.

“Today’s release also shows that figures for new cars licensed rose above 2019 levels. The number of new cars licensed for the first time in July 2021 was 20,232 compared with 15,329 in July 2020 and 18,741 in July 2019.”

The number of passengers travelling through the main airports in Ireland in June 2021 was at its highest level since the beginning of the year, but still 92% lower than the same month in 2019.