Questions have arisen regarding whether current transport appraisal methodologies and parameters are prejudicial to sustainable transport solutions. With the emergence of the climate change and sustainability agenda, there is wide recognition of the need for modal shift from private-car-based modes to sustainable modes such as public transport and active travel. Despite this policy re-orientation, the use of the traditional appraisal methods and parameters with their inherent assumptions does not always support the policy. Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is likely to recommend options that do not necessarily align with current sustainable policy goals. To cater for hard-to-monetise benefits, multi-criteria analysis (MCA) is employed in transport appraisal. However, there is a concern that multi-criteria analysis (MCA) is difficult to operate given the need for agreed weightings among stakeholders. This study summarises the challenges of the current appraisal frameworks through a literature review and analysis of the appraisal framework in Ireland. By doing so, this study aims to outline what should be improved for transport appraisal to work under the sustainability policy agenda.