The 30kph restrictions on Dublin City traffic will remain in place following the failure of Dublin City Council to agree changes or a scrapping of the system.

The new mayor for Dublin will be the main driver of traffic-management plans - which could include the introduction of congestion charges - and transport plans for the capital.

The new carbon tax should have a portion ring-fenced to fund a replacement for Bus Éireann in rural areas, an Oireachtas Committee has said.

Dublin City Council is considering proposals to create 'contraflow lanes' for cyclists, allowing them to travel in either direction on streets restricted to one-way for motor vehicles.

The European Commission is set to propose a strategy on clean and fuel-efficient cars by May, followed later by an action plan to help introduce green vehicles to the market.

Honda has launched a sporty new hybrid hoping to attract younger buyers to the green car market.

It may be more famous for its canals than its roads, but that has not stopped the city of Amsterdam moving forward with plans to establish itself as the global capital for electric cars.