I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 to 350, inclusive, together.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the preparation of a Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, or GDA, is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The statutory objective of the Strategy is to provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA.
The preparation and development of the Strategy is guided by section 12 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. That section requires the NTA when preparing the Strategy to have regard to a wide range of relevant policies, including –
- The National Spatial Strategy;
- The GDA regional spatial and economic strategy;
- Development plans in the GDA;
- Any transport related capital investment framework.
The Act also specifically requires the NTA to ensure that the Strategy is consistent with the GDA's regional spatial and economic strategy.
As well as those legal requirements, the Act then requires that the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly formally consider the draft Strategy and confirm to the Minister whether it is consistent with the regional spatial and economic strategy, including any Regional Planning Guidelines. I can inform the Deputy that the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly did indeed confirm that the Strategy is consistent with the Regional Planning Guidelines for the GDA.
The Strategy states its purpose as establishing 'the framework for transport provision necessary to achieve the land use vision set out in the Regional Planning Guidelines', but that land use vision is the statutory responsibility of relevant local authorities, regional assemblies and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government at a national policy level.
Regarding Wicklow, the Strategy first proposes that the Luas Green Line is upgraded to Metro standard from the city centre, where it will link with New Metro North, as far as its current terminus at Bride's Glen. A new Luas line is proposed from this point to Bray, which will provide a new north-south inland rail axis from Swords to Bray. These projects will be considered in the context of future capital plans subject to business case approval and availability of funding.
The Deputy is likely aware that under the current capital plan, 'Building on Recovery - Infrastructure and Capital Investment (2016-2021)', my Department provides funding to the NTA for a programme of sustainable transport measures for local authorities in the GDA. This programme funds investment in QBCs, safety and traffic management projects and various cycling/walking schemes and improvements throughout the region, including Wicklow.
In terms of the Strategy, the NTA must now prepare an implementation plan to set out exactly how it hopes to achieve the Strategy's ambition over the next 6 years. The Act requires that development of this implementation plan must be informed by further consultation with relevant local authorities, including Wicklow County Council, as well as the general public. I look forward to receiving this implementation plan for my approval in due course and I also look forward to working with the NTA, and all interested stakeholders, in delivering upon the ambition contained within this Strategy.
