Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has advertised for applications for funding to develop park and ride facilities in the greater Dublin area; the number of applications received from same; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11966/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of park and ride facilities is an important component in our strategy for attracting people out of private cars and onto public transport, so reducing congestion and improving the environment. Last year I approved the Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, strategy for rail-based park and ride, which envisages facilities at 22 locations on the existing and proposed rail network within the greater Dublin area, GDA. Financial provision for park and ride facilities has been included in Transport 21, and I have indicated that €5 million in capital funding is being made available for suitable park and ride projects in the GDA during 2006.

Provided that they are a good fit with the DTO park and ride strategy, applications for funding for specific park and ride projects will be considered by my Department. They will be evaluated according to their business cases on a first come, first served basis, and against the strategic value they offer, as assessed against the DTO strategy. As the principal bodies with interests in the provision of park and ride facilities at the 22 identified locations are already aware of the position, I consider it not necessary to issue a public invitation to apply for funding at this time.