Vol. 538 No. 4
36 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the public transport areas that have been identified in the Dublin area as requiring special focus; the likely development that will be in place over the coming years to alleviate pressures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16993/01]
The Dublin Transportation Office's Strategy 2000-2016 entitled, A Platform for Change, which was launched by the Taoiseach on 2 October 2000 provides an overall planning and investment framework for the development of the transport system in the greater Dublin area. The plan amplifies on the changes and investment necessary for the greater Dublin area set out in the national development plan.
Among the immediate priorities of the plan are the commencement of Luas operations in 2003 and further improvements of the suburban rail network. The Government has also approved, in principle, the development of a metro system by way of public private partnership. Initial planning work for the metro is now proceeding.
I am also embarking on a process of regulatory and institutional reform to revitalise public transport and to find effective solutions to congestion. These proposals were set out in a Government consultation paper, published in September 2000, entitled, A new institutional and regulatory framework for public transport dealt with regulation of the bus market in the greater Dublin area and set out proposals for institutional reform of public transport. I am awaiting the response of the Public Transport Partnership Forum, a subcommittee of which is carrying out a comparative study in this area before submitting its views and my recommendations to Government.
