Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2004
280 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which international expertise has been called upon with a view to resolving traffic problems in Dublin and throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2464/04]
View answerMy Department encourages the local authorities and agencies involved in traffic management to draw wherever possible from relevant experience, both from at home and abroad, in tackling traffic problems.
In the case of Dublin, I should point out that, as part of development and implementation of its transportation strategy for the greater Dublin area, A Platform for Change 2000-16, the Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, has engaged Booz Allen Hamilton, international consultants, to undertake a demand management study for the greater Dublin area.
Travel demand management is one of two critical elements outlined in the Dublin Transportation Office's strategy. The study will assist in devising a package of effective and feasible travel demand management measures, designed to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, while providing a wide variety of mobility options to those who wish to travel.
In the case of Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway, funding is being provided for the development of bus priority schemes in these cities. My Department is in close contact with the relevant local authorities to help them identify the key issues to be addressed in developing bus prioritisation schemes. I would encourage those involved in these schemes to avail of relevant experience in enhancing the use of public transport and in tackling traffic problems.
