Michael Noonan
Question:47 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the estimated cost to the economy of the chaotic traffic conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10024/99]
Written Answers. - Traffic Congestion.
The average economic cost of road congestion in OECD countries, excluding related issues such as environmental and road safety costs, has been estimated at some 2 per cent of GDP.
Detailed studies of congestion costs in Irish conditions have not been carried out. However, estimates made by the Dublin transportation office indicate that the cost of congestion in the Dublin region is of the order of £500 million per annum. This figure is based on the loss of time spent in traffic queues, as opposed to free flow traffic conditions, and does not take into account other costs associated with congestion.
Policy responses to congestion must be based on an integrated approach to transport requirements. This involves increased investment in road infrastructure, but also improvement of public transport, management of road transport demand, promotion of alternative transport modes and better co-ordination of transport and land use planning. These matters are being addressed through,inter alia, the Operational Programme for Transport 1994-99 and urban transport initiatives such as the DTI, and will be taken into account in the formulation of the next national development plan.