Commute Crisis: Dublin Worker Quits Job Amidst Severe Traffic Congestion

A Dublin commuter has highlighted the growing crisis of traffic congestion in Ireland, quitting her job due to an unsustainable three-hour daily commute. The case underscores the increasing pressure on workers and the urgent need for improved transport infrastructure and policies.

The Breaking Point: A Three-Hour Commute

Deirdre Gowran, a 49-year-old former senior administration professional, resigned from her position at Crumlin Children’s Hospital in June 2024, citing the grueling commute from her home in Rathangan, County Kildare. Gowran routinely left her house at 5:30 am to arrive at function by 8:30 am, battling traffic along the M7 and N7 corridors. The return journey often took up to two hours.

“It was ridiculous,” Gowran stated in an interview with the Irish Times. “I would leave so early to avoid being late, I’d rather be early than a minute late. Coming home in the evening would be anything up to two hours. I was spending the same amount of time on my commute as I was physically in the job.”

Rising Traffic Levels and Impact on Wellbeing

Gowran’s experience is not isolated. She estimates that traffic on the N7 has increased by 50 to 60 percent in recent months. The commute took a toll on her physical and mental health, exacerbated by ongoing recovery from long Covid and joint pain. The anxiety associated with the drive also contributed to her decision to seek alternative employment.

“I couldn’t deal with the traffic. I just couldn’t physically do that drive any more,” she explained. “It would also cause a lot of anxiety in terms of the thoughts of getting in the car and having to drive into Dublin.”

A New Role and Calls for Solutions

Gowran now works at Peamount Healthcare in Newcastle, County Dublin, where her commute is significantly shorter, ranging from 40 minutes to an hour and a half depending on traffic. She advocates for government incentives to encourage carpooling and the establishment of community hubs outside of Dublin for civil servants.

“People were kind of encouraged to live outside of Dublin and to commute. Now some people are spending longer on their commute than they are in the office. My heart breaks for them,” she said. “They must be wrecked before they even start up a computer. It’s really tough on them.”

Government Response and Future Plans

The issue of congestion on key routes like the M50 and M7/N7 has prompted government action. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien will chair a forum later in March 2026, bringing together stakeholders from the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Dublin Bus, and other relevant organizations to address the problem.

Two government memos, the Moving Together strategy and the Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan, are also aimed at tackling congestion and reducing transport-related air pollution in urban areas, supporting over 40 transport-related commitments outlined in the programme for government.

The Wider Implications

Gowran’s story highlights the broader challenges faced by commuters in Ireland and the need for sustainable solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the quality of life for workers. Employers are also being urged to be more aware of the impact of commutes on their employees’ wellbeing and productivity.