More than 50% of commuter journeys use public transport

In all, 70% of trips were made by a sustainable mode of transport

The number of commuter journeys into Dublin city centre taken using public transport has risen above 50% for the first time.

The figure is included in the results of the canal cordon count carried out among commuters crossing the canals last November.

The results were released jointly by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority.

The number of people travelling by private car has dropped below 30% for the first time. It was 40% as recently as 2010.

In all, 70% of trips were made by a sustainable mode of transport, which includes cycling, walking, taxi and other public transport.

The count shows that the total number of people travelling into the city is now greater than the previous peak in 2006.

Dublin City Council Chief Executive Owen Keegan said the fact this was achieved despite Luas Cross City works shows the "incredible value" of the additional bus priority measures on the quays and the resultant reduction in journey times.

NTA Chief Executive Anne Graham said traffic management changes had facilitated a shift to public transport.

Cycling and walking were also up, with 12,447 people cycling into the city centre, which is the highest number ever.

Walkers accounting for 25,000 people crossing the canal cordon. The share for cycling is at 5.9%, with walking at 11.8%.