In this second episode of our Amplified sustainability series, host Dusty Rhodes dives deep into the future of sustainable transport in Ireland.

With the 2030 emissions deadline fast approaching, the focus turns to engineering, political will, and social change needed to revolutionise Ireland’s transportation system.

Joining Dusty are Professor Brian Caulfield, a leading transportation researcher from Trinity College Dublin, and Robert Sizer, Director of Engineering for UK at IESA, renowned for his expertise in major infrastructure projects like rail stations and tunnels.

Together, they unravel the real challenges behind meeting climate targets, from public acceptance to the transformative power of multimodal transport networks.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• The urgent 2030 transport emissions targets and what it will really take to meet them
• Why Ireland’s main transportation challenges are political and social, not technical
• Engineering solutions for decarbonising public transport: electric, hydrogen, and biofuels
• Real-world examples: Reimagining city spaces in Dublin, Madrid, London, and Barcelona
• The impact of major projects (metros, tunnels, and light rail) on urban life

GUEST DETAILS

Prof. Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at Trinity College Dublin

Brian Caulfield is a Professor in Transportation at Trinity College Dublin. Since joining the Department Prof Caulfield has embarked on an intensive research program addressing global issues such as the environmental impacts of transport and methods to reduce the carbon impacts of transport and in 2017 he addressed the Irish Citizens Assembly on this topic. He recently provided advice to the Climate Change Advisory Council on pathways to decreasing transport emissions by 2030. Prof Caulfield is currently a member of the Steering Group for the review and update of the GDA Transport Strategy with the National Transport Authority.

Prof Caulfield has published over 200 papers in these areas and is also a member of a number of National and International research groups and is the former Chair of the Irish Transportation Research Network.

Rob Sizer, Director of Engineering for UK at AYESA

Rob is a Chartered Civil Engineer who is an experienced project manager in delivering large complex multi-disciplinary design projects. Rob is particularly experienced in managing and developing relationships with key clients and stakeholder. Such as London Underground, Overground and Thames Water and Crossrail. Rob has a strong technical background with over 15 years working across the civil engineering industry, and is highly experienced in the design delivery, process, standards and requirements for rail infrastructure, such as stations and tunnels.

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/

Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io for Engineers Ireland.

Quotes

"The real transportation challenge isn’t EVs—it’s humans. Social and political will, not engineering, are the hardest parts.” - Prof Brian Caulfield

"If engineers had the money, we’d be building metros and light rails right now. The solutions exist—the bottleneck is delivering them.” - Prof Brian Caulfield

"Sustainability isn’t just about the infrastructure; it’s about minimizing disruption for people and reusing space for public life.” - Robert Sizer

"Give more space back to people, and you change how cities work and how we live in them."

- Prof Brian Caulfield

"We need sustainability to be a contract KPI, not just a talking point. That’s how you get real change."

- Robert Sizer