Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2020
53. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if the draft Limerick metropolitan transport strategy is compatible with the climate change targets of Ireland; if the strategy will be subject to a ministerial review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27518/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the draft Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy has been developed by the National Transport Authority, in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
I very much welcome the development of transport strategies for the major cities. The Deputy knows I am determined that this Government delivers a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland as committed to in the Programme for Government. We need to ensure a holistic, multi-modal approach toward transport planning and provision. In particular we need to see finalised transport strategies integrated into relevant land-use plans and used as a catalyst for the adoption by local authorities of a much more sustainable approach toward the location of housing, employment and other centres of transport demand.
As required by the current Climate Action Plan, LSMATS seeks to develop and implement –
- A metropolitan area strategic transport strategy in line with Action 98 of the Climate Action Plan;
- A comprehensive network of improved active travel infrastructure in line with Action 95;
- A transition to low emissions vehicles in the urban bus fleet and roll-out of a BusConnects Limerick in line with Actions 85 and 88; and
- A network of strategic park and ride facilities in line with Action 89.
I know there are those that argue that rail could potentially play a bigger role than that envisaged in the draft Strategy and the consultation process allows them make their voices heard in that regard.
I do not believe that many people would argue against the need to vastly improve the active travel network in Limerick or to roll-out a BusConnects Limerick for the city, and I certainly support the priority implementation of both measures.
Priority implementation of both can facilitate modal shift and will have a positive impact on transport emissions, as well as helping us towards our committed target of an additional 500,000 public transport and active travel journeys daily by 2035, based on 2018 levels.
I should point out that the predicted modal shares referred to in the draft Strategy are not an ambition or a target, but instead are the result of a strategic modelling exercise carried out by the NTA. I expect the share of sustainable modes will increase as infrastructure is delivered, services improved and local authorities develop relevant demand management measures.
I want to see a more sustainable Limerick and I am ready to work with the local authority in ensuring that happens through funding available through my Department’s sustainable mobility investment programme.
I would certainly encourage people to make their views known on this draft Strategy and also their views on the importance of prioritising delivery of active travel and public transport elements of any finalised Strategy as may be adopted by the local authority.
