It also risks hardening inequality within the workforce if remote work becomes an exclusive perk for higher-paid staff, condemning others to longer delays and wasted time. The overnight shift to remote work during the covid pandemic in 2020 was remarkable because it was largely unplanned, yet it mostly worked. Remote and hybrid working changed commuting patterns, easing peak-time congestion, cutting emissions and journey times, and relieving pressure on Ireland’s road infrastructure. A recent Dáil debate on revised legislation on remote work saw one TD miss the debate because he was stuck on the M50. If access to remote and hybrid work is allowed to harden into a perk for higher-paid roles, then inequality will be built into the working week itself.

Source: Irish Examiner February 17, 2026 10:01 UTC