Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 December 2018
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to facilitate necessary upgrading of major transport routes such as the M50 and M4, which are perceived to be incapable of dealing with the volume of traffic; when the projects will be advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52114/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
You may wish to note that the National Transport Authority's (NTA) 'Transport for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035' is the primary strategy document which is intended to deal with managing transport demand in the GDA. The overall aim of the strategy is to “contribute to the economic, social and cultural progress of the Greater Dublin Area by providing for the efficient, effective and sustainable movement of people and goods.”
Addressing urban congestion and traffic volumes is a priority of the strategy and it is proposed to achieve this through the following:
- The provision of alternative sustainable transport infrastructure (heavy and light rail; bus; cycling; walking);
- Maintain, renew, manage and operate the road network infrastructure;
- The introduction of complementary demand management measures; and
- Developing a network of park and ride facilities.
A number of priority schemes which are outlined in the strategy have also been committed to under the National Development Plan 2018-2027. These include:
- Metrolink - a 26 kilometre metro route connecting Swords, Dublin Airport, the city centre and Sandyford, which will carry 50 million passengers per year;
- Bus Connects – A redesign of Dublin’s bus network, complete with major investment in core bus corridors, cycle lanes, shelters, interchange areas, and ticketing and information technology; and
- The DART Expansion Programme – Extension of the current, electrified, DART network to Drogheda, Maynooth and Hazelhatch.
