Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce transport costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23545/02]
Written Answers. - Dublin Traffic Management.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:402 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce travel times in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23771/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 402 together.
Within the framework of the national development plan a wide range of initiatives have been taken to upgrade Dublin's transport infrastructure and services and reduce congestion and associated costs. The national development plan provides for investment of approximately €2 billion in public transport and traffic management in the greater Dublin area in the period to 2006.
Since 1997, demonstrable improvements in public transport arrangements and services have been implemented. Dublin Bus has purchased over 600 new buses. Bus Éireann has increased its capacity on GDA commuter routes by 40%. There are now nine QBCs in place in Dublin and work is continuing on further routes. Some 160 km of dedicated cycle ways have been provided. Traffic management and control systems have been upgraded. Major capacity improvements have been made to rail services. Progress has been made on developing the Luas system.
By the end of 2003, all construction work on the Luas lines will be completed. This will allow commencement of passenger services in early 2004. Capacity on the outer suburban network around Dublin will be expanded from next year by the addition of 76 new diesel rail cars. Capacity improvements will flow from the improved signalling and track work on the approaches to Heuston Station, the provision of additional platforms, the allocation of additional rail cars and increasing train lengths during rush hour periods. Further DART capacity improvements are also planned, as is the purchase of another 36 DART cars.
Major road projects to a total value of approximately €1.4 billion are currently under construction in the Dublin city and county area, including the Dublin Port tunnel, the south-eastern motorway, and the second bridge at the West Link.
These measures in public transport, traffic management and road infrastructure will have a major beneficial impact on traffic flows and transport costs in Dublin in the short to medium term. They are also part of the long-term strategy to address the city's transport needs. The DTO policy document A Platform for Change sets out a comprehensive integrated strategy to respond to the transportation needs of the greater Dublin area, GDA, in the period to 2016. It is providing the framework for the development of Dublin's transport network.
Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 74.