Michael Creed
Ceist:216 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the Government is considering any restrictions on the use of private cars in Dublin to ease traffic congestion. [3002/98]
Written Answers. - Dublin Traffic Management.
The integrated transport strategy set out in the final report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative —DTI — provides the policy framework for future transportation planning, including traffic management, in Dublin. The Dublin Transportation Office — DTO —has been established to co-ordinate and drive the implementation of that strategy. In addition, a director of traffic has been appointed in Dublin Corporation to bring executive efficiency and concentration to traffic management administration in the city.
A range of measures recommended in the DTI report to manage traffic demand is currently being implemented. The overall objective is to reduce the relative attraction of commuting by car, to reduce congestion and make public transport more attractive as a mode of transport. These measures include assignment of increased road capacity to quality bus corridors and cycle tracks; traffic calming measures; the provision of environmental traffic cells; and measures to deal with parking restraint including more intensive enforcement. The director of traffic is also undertaking a study of parking policy in Dublin with a view to aligning this fully with DTI objectives. In addition, arrangements are being finalised in my Department for a consultancy study of road pricing and related issues with reference to the Dublin area. In accordance with its mandate, DTO has commenced work on reviewing and updating the strategy so as to adapt the strategy to changing circumstances, to review its impetus and to identify any new initiatives required. The need for further traffic restraint measures will be considered in the light of that review process.