John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will ensure legislation is passed to enable comprehensive transport plans to be included in all future county and city development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21227/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Action 42 of Smartertravel, the Government's policy framework for a sustainable transport future, provides that local authorities will be empowered to prepare transport plans that will complement their development plans. It is my intention to include proposals relating to transport plans in a Sustainable Travel and Transport Bill, on which preliminary work is underway in my Department, to underpin the objectives contained in Smartertravel.

Separately, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is preparing to bring the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill to Government shortly which reinforces the need for development plans to include, inter alia, mandatory objectives for the promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas, including the promotion of measures to reduce man-made greenhouse gas emissions. This strengthening of planning law will improve integration of land use and transport planning and investment.