Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
611. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which improvement may be made to ensure the maximum use of rail services in lieu of road transport, with particular reference to park-and-go facilities at strategic locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10525/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to developing a more sustainable transport system with a much greater role for public transport. While the economic downturn led to the prioritisation of limited resources to protecting existing assets and maintaining safety standards there have been a number of initiatives funded in recent years such as the extension of LUAS, the introduction of the LEAP card, Real Time Passenger Information, improved bus lanes, Wi-Fi on trains/buses etc. to make public transport more attractive. It is my aim to ensure that the next capital plan, which is under preparation, will have funding for public transport to allow for more initiatives of this nature including, where necessary and feasible, new or improved park and ride facilities at rail stations.
Within the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), the National Transport Authority (NTA) is updating its Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area which will set out the public transport priorities for funding over the coming years. The NTA intends that a draft transport strategy will be available for public consultation in mid-2015.
In relation to rail related developments outside the GDA, my Department liaises with Iarnród Éireann in relation to the priorities for funding and will take these into account in the preparation of the next capital plan.
