Seanad debates
Wednesday, 5 November 2003
National Development Plan Mid-Term Evaluation: Statements.
The report recommends an increase in investment in urban public transport. The focus is not on places such as Ennis, Ballina or Midleton, but on bus corridors and light rail infrastructure within the city of Dublin. The report also mentions lowering the priority of mainline rail which does nothing for the concept of regional development. It states that we must recognise that improved public transport will require a major increase in urban density in order to operate efficiently. This will be difficult in Dublin, which is a low-rise city. The capacity for greater density within the confines of the city is virtually impossible. There is talk of an increase in spending on urban transport while at the same time an attempt is being made to increase the density within the city as it stands. If an increase in density is needed in order to deliver a viable public transport system, the plan is not viable. Dublin is no longer a greenfield site and there are no more green or brownfield sites in the city. The concept of increasing density is a flawed approach. It would be better to prioritise projects that would encourage commercial and residential development outside of Dublin, in the eastern region in particular.
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