Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Transport the interim measures he is taking to deal with traffic congestion in the greater Dublin area pending the full implementation of Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3358/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Transport 21 makes provision for a major phased investment in public transport in the greater Dublin area, which will provide a real alternative to private car commuting. A significant expansion in rail capacity occurred in 2005 including the entry into service of eight car DART trains.

As I have said previously, the bus will continue to play a crucial role in the capital's public transport system. It is not a question of bus or rail but of using both modes to complement each other effectively to maximise the passenger carrying capacity and availability of public transport. Buses, in particular, will be used to meet the immediate and short-term requirements for additional public transport in Dublin while other infrastructure is being put in place.

Dublin Bus has already submitted an application to me for additional fleet requirements. I also expect to receive the company's report on its bus network review shortly. I will make a decision when my Department's assessment has been completed.

Meanwhile, planning and the statutory processes for the expansion of the Luas to Cherrywood and Docklands is under way. The business case has been approved for a 40% increase in capacity on the Tallaght Luas line and a railway order public inquiry has recently begun for the Kildare route project.

The full Transport 21 programme will take ten years to deliver and this is reasonable given the extent of the infrastructure development involved. However, I would stress that elements of the programme will come on steam incrementally, including from this year, the first year of the programme. Each element of the programme will contribute to easing congestion in a particular part of the city.

In addition, traffic management will continue to be an important part of the solution to congestion. Programmes such as the traffic management grants scheme administered by the Dublin Transportation Office will ensure continued and enhanced funding to local authorities for investment in traffic management schemes throughout the greater Dublin area. The main objective of this scheme is to improve operating conditions of buses in the greater Dublin area. Transport 21 provides for the doubling of the quality bus network to improve the quality, reliability and efficiency of the bus service.