Urban freight in Dublin city centre: survey analysis and strategy evaluation

Abstract

Findings are presented from a study evaluating sustainable freight distribution in the city center of Dublin, Ireland, particularly focusing on urban distribution centers (UDCs) and managing the last mile of deliveries. A survey of city center organizations is described, and relevant delivery patterns (origin, destination, type of goods delivered) are compared with those from a previous feasibility analysis to determine UDC opportunities in Dublin. A real-life commercial example of a UDC is also described. Ireland's largest grocery distributor operates this UDC. The operational efficiencies and the wider benefits of the UDC are discussed. In addition, a commercial example of managing the last mile of deliveries through a city center delivery platform is detailed. The delivery platform is managed by a leading logistics service provider.