Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2018
602. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the delays and congestion in the north west of Dublin city and the significant increase in bus times for persons in these areas; if the cause of the congestion has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9364/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority's, NTA, transport strategy for the greater Dublin area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. Addressing urban congestion on both the strategic road network and locally in certain locations is an important theme in the strategy. The measures proposed are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region.
A number of key public transport projects will be delivered across the Dublin region over the period of the new national development plan 2018-2027 which will address growing congestion in the city and capacity constraints on the existing public transport network. These projects include BusConnects, Metro Link and priority elements of the DART expansion programme. In addition to these, there will be continued investment in sustainable transport projects including traffic management and other smarter travel projects along with new urban and cycling routes in Dublin to allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and relieve congestion.
BusConnects is the main investment priority for public transport to address growing congestion in Dublin in the short to medium term. A radical improvement in the bus system can deliver a step change in performance across all areas of the Dublin region within a relatively short time. BusConnects will provide a greatly enhanced bus service across Dublin, with high quality infrastructure, including continuous bus lanes as far as is practicable along the busiest bus corridors along with a network of park and ride facilities at key locations, enhanced services and major improvements in ticketing and information. The advantage of a bus-based solution is that the implementation can start quickly and the benefits of BusConnects can start coming on stream progressively from 2019.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for further reply on the information sought and issues raised. The Deputy should contact my office should a reply not be received within 10 days.
