Vol. 495 No. 1
71 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the additional moneys, if any, being allocated in 1998 to fund the implementation of the Dublin Transportation Office's short-term action plan; the plans, if any, he has to introduce a Supplementary Estimate to meet these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19267/98]
75 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce additional measures to prevent traffic gridlock in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19305/98]
113 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his response to the Dublin traffic action plan produced by the Dublin Transportation Office; if funding will be made available to allow for the full implementation of all aspects of the plan; if a timetable has been set out for the implementation of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19357/98]
116 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to private motorists' frustration with regard to traffic movement in Dublin and the need to accommodate those who have to use their cars in and around the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19072/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 75, 113 and 116 together.
The Dublin Transportation Office has recently published a Transportation Review and Short-Term Action Plan in order to respond to the greater than anticipated growth in traffic in the Dublin area and the need to prioritise short-term action in advance of the completion of the major DTI infrastructural projects.
The action plan is designed to accelerate the implementation of those elements of the DTI Strategy which can be completed in the period up to 2000. Accordingly, it focuses on public transport enhancement, traffic management, parking policy and the provision of cycling facilities.
The Government has already endorsed early implementation of most of the proposed measures detailed in the action plan. Additional funding totalling £91 million was approved by Government earlier this year, as part of the real-location of EU aid for the Luas project, to finance the accelerated provision of quality bus corridors and cycle facilities; 50 new buses; 20 new diesel rail cars; new car sets for the DART; lengthening of DART platforms; and upgrading of other suburban rail lines. This funding will be required in 1999 and 2000 and will be provided for in the published Estimates for 1999 and subsequent years. Having regard to the need to plan the necessary work, I do not anticipate that a Supplementary Estimate will be required in 1998 in respect of expenditure falling to be met from my Department's Vote.
The action plan also includes measures requiring the provision of further funding for the purchase of 100 additional buses, to support enhanced bus and rail services, and for the Garda Traffic Division. These will be considered by Government in the context of the 1999 Estimates and budget.
In addition to the measures set out in the action plan, work is continuing on the major infrastructural projects provided for in the DTI Strategy, including completion of the remaining elements of the Dublin C-ring. DTO has also initiated a fundamental review of the DTI Strategy for completion in 1999.
