I see no compelling reason at this time to consider re-establishing the Dublin Transport Authority, who were dissolved at the end of 1987 as part of the Government's overall strategy to reduce public expenditure. In general, I am satisfied that the Dublin Transportation Task Force, which was reconstituted following the dissolution of the Authority, is producing substantial benefits without incurring the administrative and other costs necessarily associated with a statutory authority.
My detailed reply to Deputy Rabbitte's Question No. 45 on 12 June 1990, columns 1944-45, outlined the work of the Dublin Transportation Task Force in combating traffic congestion and in promoting the greater use of public transport. That work is being intensified and the task force's allocation has been raised to £200,000 for 1991. In particular, proposals are well advanced to give significantly more priority to buses. I am hopeful that these proposals will receive full support from Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council.
I should, perhaps, mention that considerable additional resources are being directed by the Garda and traffic wardens to combating illegal parking, which badly affects buses and other road users. In addition, both Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council are strengthening controls on road openings.
I shall continue to monitor closely the work of the task force in order to maximise their effectiveness.