Vol. 406 No. 7
56 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he intends to launch a campaign for the greater use of public transport, particularly in view of the congestion and poor condition of many of the country's roads.
The provision of cost effective and efficient public transport services is one of the Government's priorities. Since taking office, I have consistently emphasised the need for cost economies within the CIE group's operations to contain the costs of public transport and enhance its overall attractiveness. I am pleased to note that this policy has already contributed to a general increase in CIE passenger journeys. I expect that this trend will continue in the future.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the work of the Dublin Transportation Task Force, chaired by my Department, in promoting public transport and in reducing traffic congestion in Dublin. The task force have already put in place some 15 kilometres of bus lanes and other important bus priority measures and its further proposals to significantly increase priority for buses are at an advanced stage of preparation.
As I have previously indicated to the House, a number of major public transport projects are under consideration including the provision of a diesel commuter service from Clondalkin to the city and the examination of public transport options for the former Harcourt Street line and Tallaght. The Dublin-Maynooth commuter line has also been significantly upgraded recently with the provision of four new stations at Confey (Leixlip), Coolmine, Castleknock and Broombridge.
