David Stanton
Question:40 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her plans for the development of public transport in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18186/01]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
Consultants, commissioned by Cork Corporation and Cork County Council, are currently finalising a strategic plan for the Cork area covering the period up to 2020. My Department is represented on the advisory group for the plan.
A draft final report has been prepared which places strong emphasis on new public transport projects to support future population growth and residential and other developments in the area covered by the strategic plan. The draft report recommends upgrading rail services on the Mallow-Cork-Cobh rail corridor and developing rail services between Blarney and Midleton which would involve the re-opening of the Cork-Midleton line consistent with the national development plan proposals for the line.
The draft report also proposes a significant role for bus based public transport, park and ride facilities and bus priority and car restraint measures as a means of increasing the public transport modal share. In this regard, I am particularly concerned that strong and effective bus priority and car restraint measures must be put in place to support and sustain public transport investment in urban areas.
Departmental officials have already met the senior management of Cork Corporation and County Council to discuss these proposals and further meetings are planned. The strategic plan requires to be endorsed by the of members of Cork County Council and Cork Corporation and when the report is published, my Department along with Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann will evaluate the public transport proposals as a basis for future public transport investment in the area.