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Transport Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021

Thursday, 18 November 2021

Ceisteanna (161)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

161. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the studies that have been carried out by his Department in developing its transport strategy on the percentage of persons that choose to commute by walking, cycling and e-scooters in cases in which there is good walking, cycling and e-scooters infrastructure; the results of such studies by distance, age, disability and weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56721/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is currently finalising a new Sustainable Mobility Policy Framework. This will set out a strategic framework for walking, cycling and public transport to support Ireland’s overall requirement to achieve a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of this decade. The new framework will replace the existing sectoral policy documents from 2009 - Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-2020 and the National Cycle Policy Framework.

A collaborative approach has been taken in developing the new framework. A stakeholder engagement event was held at the end of 2019 alongside the publication of a comprehensive range of background papers for public consultation. Over 250 submissions were received as part of the public consultation process from individuals and organisations. Following a review of those submissions, a report of the public consultation was published on my Department's website and further bilateral stakeholder engagement has taken place.

Transport trends such as those identified in the Central Statistics Office's National Travel Survey (NTS) have been considered in the development of the new framework including data relating to user demographics, journeys taken, reasons for travel and chosen transport mode. The 2019 NTS also highlighted geographic variations in transport trends which shows that transport needs are not uniform across the country and tailored solutions will be needed for both urban and rural areas.

I hope to publish the Sustainable Mobility Policy Framework shortly. It will set out a comprehensive set of actions to increase active travel provision and improve public transport capacity and services across the country in order to make sustainable modes the preferred choice for as many people as possible. It is also important to consider the role that newer forms of mobility such as e-scooters can play in reducing reliance on the private car. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which is currently at Second Stage in this House, contains measure to give the Minister the power to make regulations to legalise the use of e-scooters on public roads. The regulations will determine conditions for their use and technical standards.

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