Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
60. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to introduce bus-based park and ride facilities on the main approaches to Dublin city; the timeframes in this regard; the locations being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7735/18]
View answer82. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase capacity in the park and ride facilities in the commuter belt regions of north County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7610/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 82 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsiblity for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including bus infrastructure.
The Government's Budget 2018 announce last October provides for an increase in the multi-annual capital investment for public transport with a four-year capital envelope of €2.7 billion over the period 2018-2021 including an investment of over €400 million in 2018. This represents a 30% increase over the original Capital Plan allocations for 2018-2021 and includes increased funding for the heavy rail network.
Over €770 million will be invested in the BusConnects programme to fundamentally transform our bus system, so that journeys for bus passengers will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable. At the heart of this proposal is the development of continuous bus lanes as far as is practicable along the busiest bus corridors along with a network of park and ride facilities at key locations. Work is ongoing on the redesign of the bus services network and also on infrastructure proposals for Core Bus Corridors which will be an integral part of the programme. When this work is completed the proposals will be launched for public consultations in April and May of this year.
The results of the public consultation will inform the final decisions to be made on the network redesign, Core Bus Corridors and park and ride facilities.
I am advised that due to the extension of the Short-Hop fare zone to include Sallins & Naas Railway Station, coupled with the introduction of train services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel Link to serve Connolly, Tara, Pearse and Grand Canal Dock, the level of car parking demand at this station has increased significantly. To address this issue, it is intended to expand the level of car parking at Sallins & Naas Railway Station during 2018 through an expansion of the car park on the north side of the station. Funding in the amount of €680,000 is being allocated to Iarnóid Eireann this year in respect of this project.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred your question to the NTA for an update on the issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
