Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Transport his proposals to address the issue of ever growing traffic bottlenecks throughout the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21197/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Transport his proposals to encourage the use of public transport in view of the seriously overcrowded roads in towns, cities and villages, as well as in the capital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21525/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Transport the way in which he proposes to enhance public transport with a view to alleviating traffic chaos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21526/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 215 and 216 together.

The ten-year transport investment framework, which is currently being developed, will focus on the enhancement and integration of the public transport network throughout the country, and particularly in the greater Dublin area. By so doing, it will provide a real and attractive alternative to the private car, help remove traffic bottlenecks and improve public transport generally. The framework will also address the management of the demand for transport. At present, major increases in the capacity of the public transport system are being delivered in the greater Dublin area. Capacity on the DART has almost doubled since 2000; 80 new diesel railcars were introduced earlier this year on suburban commuter services and a further 36 are to be delivered next year; the capacity of Dublin Bus has been increased with over 25% more capacity at peak times; Bus Éireann has increased its services by approximately 40% from commuter towns such as Drogheda, Navan and Naas to Dublin city centre; the Department of Transport is funding a major programme to expand the quality bus corridor network and improve traffic management in the greater Dublin area; the Luas is now in successful operation on the Sandyford Green line and on the Tallaght Red line; work is continuing on the DART upgrade project, phase two of which will deliver a further increase in capacity; and the completion of the M50, the port tunnel and the M50 upgrade will provide substantial additions to the city's strategic road network.

In addition to increases in the supply of infrastructure and services, the Dublin Transportation Office is also working closely with the planning authorities to influence land use policies in the greater Dublin area to favour more sustainable forms of transport at the planning stage. This is being achieved through integrated land use and transportation plans at local level and commenting on major planning applications and appeals which are of strategic transport importance. All this is being done within the spatial planning context provided by the national spatial strategy and the regional planning guidelines.