John Curran
Question:574. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he is taking to improve traffic congestion in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53341/18]
View answerTuesday, 18 December 2018
Questions (574)
Written answers
My priority in improving the efficiency and sustainability of transport in Dublin and relieving traffic congestion is to provide an attractive alternative for drivers using private cars as their primary mode of transport. This will be done through the delivery of increased public transport capacity, improved service quality, and a greater choice of public transport, as well as making it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035 provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin. Building on the strategy and a number of recently completed projects which have already improved public transport capacity and quality, the National Development Plan 2018-2027 identifies a number of major investments in public transport for Dublin. The NDP commits to delivering the new Metrolink, the DART Expansion Programme, and BusConnects Dublin.
Planning of these major public transport investment projects is underway and is scheduled for delivery progressively over the lifetime of the NDP.
Meanwhile, in the shorter term, a range of other measures are being undertaken that will help ensure the more effective functioning of public transport services in Dublin. These include:
- improving timetables to intensify the frequency of passenger services, as has happened this year on both PSO bus and rail networks;
- expansion of the PSO bus fleet, which has increased by approximately 17% in recent years and will increase again next year;
- extending trams on the Luas Green Line and increasing the number of trams on the line too; and
- providing upgraded cycling and walking infrastructure, and a number of significant projects are due to commence construction in 2019.
The NTA meets regularly with the relevant local authorities and public transport service providers to monitor and react to traffic issues in Dublin and to identify and implement service improvements. The alleviation of traffic congestion requires a combination of these short term measures, together with a substantial programme of the medium and longer term projects which I have outlined.