Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I reply to the Deputy's question, I add my voice to the voices of those who spoke in the Dáil yesterday about the awful tragedy and loss of life in Berkeley. My thoughts, like those of everyone else, are with the families of those involved and everyone else who has been affected by this incident.

The Dublin city transport study which was recently published jointly by the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council comprises a set of proposals to enhance overall movement in the city and cater for increased usage.  It seeks to address the imminent transport issues facing the core city centre area, to facilitate the implementation of the Dublin City Council development plan and to safeguard the future growth of the city. A public consultation process is being carried out on the study. Anyone who wishes to make a submission on the study can do so online at .  The closing date for receipt of submissions is Thursday, 16 July.

As the study is the subject of a public consultation process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on individual proposals. Decisions on specific traffic management measures are the responsibility of the local authority and will be matters for Dublin City Council to progress when the consultation process is complete. Councillors will have to decide whether to include the various recommendations, some of which are controversial, in its next development plan. I confirm that the general thrust of the proposals is in line with my Department's overall strategic policy for sustainable urban transport. I do not doubt that in the public consultation process we will hear from city centre business interests who believe private cars should form part of the transport mix, for example, to allow city centre shoppers to purchase large and bulky items. A key objective of transport policy is to ensure investment is targeted in the most effective way that encourages people to leave the car at home, where possible, and to walk, cycle or avail of public transport. The study will play a role in seeking to determine the most appropriate way to make progress with that agenda, taking account of all stakeholder views.

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