The Buildings and Estates Teams’ Smarter Travel Programme has made significant strides from 2022 to 2024 in supporting sustainable travel initiatives, benefiting both our students and the broader community. This summary illustrates how the programme has contributed to both supporting students in their journey to campus and serving the broader community by promoting sustainable, safe, and convenient travel options.
RSA Leading Lights Awards 2022 & 2023
The UL Smarter Travel Programme earned prestigious recognition at the National Road Safety Authorities’ Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In 2022, UL received the Education (Third Level) Award for its impactful educational initiatives, while in 2023, the programme won the Sustainable Travel Award. These awards acknowledge the university’s ongoing efforts to promote road safety and sustainable commuting options for its students and staff. UL’s initiatives in road safety, such as the ‘Light Up Your Life’ bike light distribution campaign and various road safety social media campaigns, have reached thousands of vulnerable road users on campus and beyond. This recognition highlights UL’s leadership in fostering safer and more sustainable travel practices.
View the UL video submission for 2022
View the UL video submission for 2023
Nextbike by TIER Dockless Public Bike Sharing Scheme (2023)
In 2023, UL successfully partnered with Limerick City Council and TIER Mobility to introduce the Nextbike by TIER public bike-sharing scheme to campus. The scheme, featuring 150 dockless bikes, extends throughout the Greater Castletroy Area and key locations in Limerick City, making it an accessible option for students, staff, and local residents alike. By offering an alternative to single-occupancy car journeys, the scheme significantly supports sustainable travel while reducing traffic congestion on campus. This initiative addresses the community's transportation needs by connecting essential areas to the UL campus, such as nearby off campus student housing, ultimately enhancing mobility and contributing to UL’s commitment to sustainable development.
Smarter Travel Mark Award (2023)
UL became the first university in Ireland to receive the Smarter Travel Mark at Gold Level from the National Transport Authority (NTA). This award acknowledges the university’s commitment to sustainable travel and its proactive efforts to reduce single-occupancy car journeys. Through a variety of initiatives—such as bike repair stations, e-scooter schemes, and dedicated travel information campaigns—UL has created a campus environment where students and staff are supported in choosing environmentally friendly transport. The award underscores UL’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and creating a greener, more accessible campus.
New TFI Docking Station ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ (2024)
In collaboration with the National Transport Authority, UL expanded its sustainable transport options with the installation of a new TFI public bike-sharing docking station on campus. Located in the P17 Foundation Car Park, this station is positioned along the segregated Smarter Travel pathway that connects UL directly to Limerick City. With capacity for approx. 60 bikes, this new station further integrates cycling into the university’s sustainable travel network, offering students, staff, and visitors an affordable and efficient mode of transportation. This initiative enhances campus accessibility while promoting healthy, low-carbon commuting for the broader community.
