Longer commutes having a negative effect on workers
A new ESRI study on urban rents and commuting times released this week, reflects the negative effects longer commutes are having on Wicklow residents, according to Deputy Jennifer Whitmore.
The study examined rental prices and commuting behaviour noting that increased journey times for commuters could also have negative monetary, health and environmental consequences.
‘Anyone who lives in Wicklow who commutes to work knows how soul destroying it can be,’ said Deputy Whitmore. ‘And anyone will tell you that they are experiencing longer journey times in recent years due to more cars on the road as a result of more people moving to Wicklow.’
She said that Dublin has become unaffordable for many and so people opt to move to commuter counties in search of cheaper rents.
‘However, as reflected in the
ESRI study, the trade- off means people’s well-being is being negatively affected as they commute for longer and spend less time in their communities,’ she said.
A report carried out by Wicklow County Council in January 2019 reflects this which revealed that 74 per cent of Wicklow commuters were unhappy or very unhappy with their daily commute.
‘Work life balance is hugely important to people’s well-being,’ said Ms Whitmore. ‘
As people spend less time commuting, they spend more time with their families and in their communities which in turn is good for social cohesion. Keeping people at home longer is also a win for the local economy as more money is spent in local businesses. It’s also good for the environment with less cars on the road and less air pollution.
‘Not only is time an issue but financially it can be expensive commuting in and out of Wicklow if you calculate daily transport and food costs negating the benefit of cheaper rents.’
She said that strategies are needed that can keep people in their local community longer but to date there has been a lack of initiative to get this up and running.
‘I have previously developed a funding proposal for a series of co working spaces to be included in every major town and village in the county.