Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
226. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the length of time and the number of persons and organisations that engaged with his Department's public consultation on a review of sustainable mobility policy; the promotion of this public consultation that took place by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6279/22]
View answerA collaborative approach has been taken by my Department in developing the forthcoming Sustainable Mobility Policy through public consultation and extensive stakeholder engagement.
A roundtable forum was held in 2018 which allowed for an initial exchange of views between stakeholders on a variety of issues relevant to the sustainable mobility sector including potential challenges and competing priorities likely to arise in the future. Over 50 stakeholder organisations and individuals were invited to attend that event including representatives from passenger and consumer interests; providers of bus, rail and taxi services; providers of transport infrastructure; trade unions with members working in public transport; cyclist and pedestrian advocacy groups; disability representatives; business groups; environmental interests; local authorities; regulators; legislators; policymakers; and analysts and academics who focus on sustainable mobility.
The round table discussion informed the development of a comprehensive set of background papers across a range of themes which were then published as part of the public consultation process launched at the end of 2019. Notice of the public consultation was placed on the Government website and was also advertised through social media and newspaper advertisements. A further stakeholder engagement event was held at that time with over 40 stakeholder organisations and individuals, along with engagement with the members of the three Regional Assemblies.
Over 250 submissions across a broad range of themes were received as part of the public consultation process which ended in February 2020 from people and organisations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Following a review of the submissions received, a report of the public consultation was published on my Department’s website and since then further bilateral engagement has taken place with other Government Departments, State bodies, advocacy groups, business groups, disability representatives and academics.
Both the submissions received as part of the public consultation process and the extensive stakeholder engagement have heavily influenced the development of the new Sustainable Mobility Policy which I will publish shortly.
