Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Transport the way in which it is proposed to fully utilise the rail services in the absence of specially provided parking areas; the intention he has given to this issue in the commuter belt; the location and extent of the parking to be provided at all rail stations within a 40 mile radius of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9158/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 390: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans for the provision of off street parking throughout the rail commuter belt with a view to encouraging rail transport and alleviating road congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9457/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 390 together.

The development of public transport park and ride facilities is primarily a matter for transport providers, local authorities and private developers, either separately or in appropriate conjunction. However, since the provision of such facilities is significant in promoting a more integrated approach to public transport, and in making it a more attractive consumer product, my Department is progressing certain initiatives to encourage development of park and ride facilities across the country. Under Transport 21, €5 million is being made available in 2006 for park and ride facilities and interchanges in the greater Dublin area, GDA.

In summer 2005, I approved a Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, strategy for rail-based park and ride, and indicated that capital funding would be made available for suitable projects. The DTO strategy for rail-based park and ride envisages facilities at some 22 locations on the existing and proposed rail network within the GDA. Arrangements for rail-based park and ride funding will also extend to public transport interchange projects. Revenue support to subsidise the operation of park and ride facilities will not be made available.

Two types of park and ride are envisaged, namely, strategic and local sites. A number of larger strategic sites will be identified close to or on the strategic rail corridors where longer distance commuters can transfer to public transport. Local park and ride sites will be smaller in scale and located along public transport corridors, principally rail. Good examples of these types of sites are the existing facilities at DART-suburban rail stations. It is important that interchange and park and ride developments should, wherever possible, be included as part of a wider public transport development framework.