John Bruton
Ceist:108 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his policy on road pricing in urban areas and on taxation of employer provided car parking spaces in the inner city of Dublin. [9449/00]
Written Answers. - Road Pricing.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 79 of 26 January 2000. A study of road pricing and related issues with reference to the Dublin area was commissioned by my Department from a consortium of consultants led by Oscar Faber Group and published on 5 October 1999; a copy of the report on the study is available in the Oireachtas Library. The study offers a preliminary review of the potential for introducing new transport demand management measures in Dublin. The consultants conclude that road pricing could have a role to play in transport policy for Dublin; however, they also consider that the issue requires more detailed consideration in the context of an integrated approach to Dublin's transport requirements and that any future pricing initiative is likely to require balancing by a range of other measures.
The Dublin Transportation Office, has been asked to consider the study, in the context of the wider update of the DTI strategy now being finalised, and as an initial step has invited public comments and submissions in relation to it. Proposals for transport demand management will arise from this DTO work and will be considered by Government and/or other competent agencies.
As regards taxation of employer provided car parking spaces in Dublin, my Department is participating in a group established by the Department of Finance to identify the practical measures in this area. In general, I expect that demand management measures will play an increasingly important role in ensuring transport infrastructure is used in an efficient, effective and environmentally sustainable manner.