Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2017
43. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific transport projects and infrastructure he will seek to have added to the capital plan to help alleviate a worsening traffic situation in Dublin, in the context of the Government's capital plan review in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13994/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding allocation for public transport under the current Capital Plan is €3.6 billion. Due to constrained levels of funding available in the early years of the plan, the priority in this period is to ensure the safety and efficiency of existing transport infrastructure. Funding of €2.6bn has been prioritised for essential 'steady state' maintenance and asset renewal of the public transport network. The remaining €1bn of the total allocation available for public transport is being invested to help address growing congestion driven by the recovery and population growth.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The need to address urban congestion was a key element in the development of the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035.
The NTA is currently preparing an Implementation Plan for the delivery of the GDA Strategy for the period 2017-2022. Key to implementation is the capital funding that will be available for investment in public transport infrastructure over the period. The allocation for Public Transport under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 includes funding for capacity enhancements including completion of the Luas Cross City Project, renewal and replacement of the PSO bus fleet and other improvements to the bus and rail networks. Construction of the new Metro North project will commence around 2021 and be operational around 2026/27. Funding is also included for elements of the DART Expansion Programme including the extension of the DART to Balbriggan.
As the Deputy is aware, a mid-term review of the Capital Plan has been initiated and I will be making the case for increased funding for public transport in that context. I consider that the optimum approach to tackle congestion over the short to medium term is to radically improve the bus system to deliver a step change in performance across the GDA region and in our regional cities to complement that improved public transport system with a network of park and ride sites. Such measures can be complemented by investment to increase capacity across public transport and to improve the infrastructure for sustainable transport options.
