Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
68. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the position paper submitted by the Rural Transport Network identifying the importance of statutory planning to progress the potential of local transport services and the need to build on alignments with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6701/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met the Chair and a delegation from the Rural Transport Network (RTN) last year. In advance of the meeting, the RTN forwarded a paper containing a number of proposals including those referred to by the Deputy.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public transport passenger services nationally. It also has a statutory remit in relation to effective integration of transport and land use planning across the State. Since 2012, the NTA has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.
The NTA published the “Local Link Rural Transport Programme Strategic Plan 2018-2022” last year. Recognising the key role of local authorities in the planning of rural transport services, the Strategic Plan commits to ensuring that Local Link Offices are directly involved with their respective local authority in the development of relevant plans and strategies, in particular Local Transport Plans.
As the Deputy would be aware, the three Regional Assemblies are tasked to coordinate, promote and support the strategic planning and sustainable development of the regions. The primary vehicle for this is the preparation and implementation of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). The Strategies are statutorily underpinned by the Planning and Development Acts. Under the RSES, local authorities will be required to prepare Local Transport Plans. As part of the consultation process the three Regional Assemblies are undertaking for their respective Strategy, my Department has sought that each will ensure that Local Link Offices are formally consulted in relation to the development of local transport plans.
