Bernard Allen
Ceist:126 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is taking to deal with serious traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17653/02]
Written Answers. - Traffic Congestion.
This Government has been proactive in responding to the challenge of traffic congestion and has demonstrated its commitment to transforming our transport infrastructure by providing unprecedented levels of investment since 1997. The Government's national development plan sets out a strategic framework for the development of transport infrastructure and services and provides for investment of almost €10 billion between 2000 and 2006.
The National Roads Authority – NRA – has made good progress with the roll-out of the national roads programme, including the development of bypasses, which have helped to alleviate traffic congestion in many towns throughout the country. Over €1 billion, the highest allocation ever – nearly twice the level of funding in 1999 – is being provided for the NRA in 2002 for the improvement and maintenance of national roads. This year work is under way, or has been completed, on over 20 major projects with a combined length of over 200 km. The completion of these projects will deliver significant benefits nationwide.
The national development plan also provides for investment of over €3 billion in public transport and traffic management in the period to 2006. Of this, approximately €2 billion will be invested in the greater Dublin area.
Since 1997, demonstrable improvements in public transport arrangements and services have been implemented, namely, the Dublin bus fleet has been expanded significantly; Bus Éireann has purchased 74 new buses to upgrade long distance commuter services and urban bus services in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford have also been updated and improved; there are now nine QBCs in place in Dublin and work is continuing on further routes both in Dublin and in Cork; dedicated cycleways have also been extensively provided; taxi numbers have increased significantly; major capacity improvements have been made to suburban rail services; progress has been made on developing the new Luas system.
Progress will be made over the coming years in further improving and expanding suburban rail services, urban and rural bus services and mainline rail services in line with this Government's commitments under an Agreed Programme for Government.
The establishment of an integrated Department of Transport is bringing a renewed focus to our efforts to upgrade transport infrastructure and services throughout the country. Outside the Dublin area the non-national roads programme, which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, is also contributing to the alleviation of traffic congestion in urban areas throughout the country.