Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Ivor Callely

Question:

62 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the total capacity of the public transport system and network which services the Dublin area; the capacity available at peak travel times; the estimated number of persons who could avail of a public transport system of excellence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3640/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) Strategy 2000 – 2016 entitled "A Platform for Change" noted that, based on the last detailed survey carried out in 1997, a total of 249,000 person trips occurred in the a.m. peak hour in the greater Dublin area. Of this total, public transport accounted for 68,000 person trips or 27% of all trips.

The National Development Plan 2000-2006 makes provision for a very significant investment in the capacity of the public transport network in the short-term. This investment is essentially focused on developing, extending and increasing the capacity of the bus network; implementing the light rail network approved by Government in 1998; and enhancing the capacity of the suburban rail network.

The DTO forecast that by 2016, the demand in the peak hour will have increased to 488,000 person trips. With the improvements in the public transport system recommended in the strategy, together with the other elements of the strategy, including traffic management and demand management measures, the DTO estimate that the public transport system will cater for 63% of the demand or 308,000 person trips. The Dublin Transportation Office is currently preparing an implementation plan for the strategy and has set out a target of early March for the completion of this work. This plan will then be the basis for Government decisions on the matter.