Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - Traffic Management.

Mary Upton

Question:

106 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for the future decision-making structures for transport and traffic in the greater Dublin area; the status of the proposed greater Dublin land use and transport authority; if his attention has been drawn to claims made by the chief executive of the Railway Procurement Agency that it would take up to a year simply to establish the identity of those who own property along the line of the proposed metro route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23117/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

My priority for public transport regulatory reform is the establishment of this body. I am mindful of the significant work already under way on the integration of land use and transport through the drawing up of regional planning guidelines by regional authorities having regard to the national spatial strategy. In the light of this development I am currently reviewing my proposals for a greater Dublin land use and transport authority.

With regard to the proposed metro, I am aware of the considerable work involved in the referencing of land and identification of owners and occupiers, which is required before a railway order can be applied for under the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.

At present, my Department is considering ways of accelerating and streamlining procedures for the delivery of major infrastructure projects. In this regard, the draft heads of a Bill are being prepared for a critical infrastructure (Dublin metro) Bill, which I hope to bring to Government shortly as part of the proposals for the development of the Dublin metro.