Written answers

Thursday, 13 February 2014

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Public Transport Initiatives

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

299. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the terms of reference of the consultation for the bus rapid transit corridor and swiftway system which commences on 17 February 2014; with whom will the final route decisions rest; and the role of the local authorities in same. [7364/14]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The NTA has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.

I understand that the NTA is commencing a non-statutory public consultation on 17th February 2014 in relation to the proposals that it is developing in respect of a possible BRT service for Dublin.   This initial consultation will focus on explaining the concept of BRT, providing an overview of the overall BRT network proposed by the NTA and identifying what is termed as an “emerging preferred route” for each of the proposed network corridors.  Further public consultations are envisaged at the later development stages of the schemes.

The NTA has advised that the development of each BRT corridor will require the preparation and publication of an environmental impact statement and its submission to An Bord Pleanála for determination.  The NTA has also advised that it has engaged extensively with the relevant local authorities in the development of these BRT proposals and that it is its intention that the further development of these proposals would be undertaken in cooperation with the local authorities. I am happy to arrange a briefing on this matter from the NTA for members of the Oireachtas if the Deputy believes this would be of benefit.

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

300. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of funding provided by his Department for upgrading bus lanes and QBCs on the north side of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7407/14]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including  upgrading bus lanes and QBC's under the current capital plan , comes within the remit of the NTA.  

Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

301. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on rapid bus plans for Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7408/14]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The NTA has statutory responsibility for developing public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Preparatory planning work is being overseen by the Authority in relation to BRT projects and they have included proposals for three routes in their draft Implementation Plan 2013 -2018 whilst noting that construction is subject to availability of funding.  

Under the current capital plan to 2016 5-year plan (Infrastructuraland Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium term Exchequer Framework) funding is only available for the initial design and route selection of a small number of BRT schemes. The BRT schemes identified by the NTA, of which Swords /Airport has been identified as a priority, will be included for consideration with other projects in deciding on priorities for the capital plan post 2016. The NTA will have to carry out further detailed assessment on each proposal, including a business case, once a preferred route is selected. I understand that the NTA is shortly to commence a public consultation process on the three identified BRT routes.  

BRT would be a fast and efficient form of public transport in some parts of Dublin, and would be cheaper to build, operate and maintain than rail. BRT will not on its own replace rail based services where a higher capacity solution is required in the long term, such as on the  Swords/Airport corridor. In that case it appears to offer an interim solution pending decisions on rail solutions.  Overall there  is a role in the future for BRT on certain routes as part of the mix of public transport options for commuters in our cities.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.