Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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597. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is considering any measures to improve traffic safety on the M50 motorway, given the recent traffic accidents on the motorway, and the recent National Road Authority warnings about the motorway being beyond its safe carrying capacity at peak hours; and if he will describe what measures he is currently considering. [41824/15]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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598. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or agencies under the aegis of his Department are considering any new measures for implementing greater efficiency and speedier response times in managing the aftermath of traffic accidents on the M50 motorway, given the excessive traffic congestion build-up in Dublin city following recent accidents on the motorway. [41825/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 597 and 598 together.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

TII has advised my Department of the consistent growth in traffic on the M50 in recent years, reflecting the welcome return to growth of the economy. As the economy continues to grow, this will impact further on future traffic levels on the M50 causing it to reach capacity for longer periods.  It should be noted, however, that when a road reaches or exceeds its design capacity it does not automatically mean that the risk of serious accidents is increased as traffic is moving more slowly.  Congestion will, of course, cause significant inconvenience to road users because of delays and less reliable journey times.  Managing this will require a mix of measures in terms of the operational efficiency of the M50 as well as longer-term measures such as public transport investment and land-use planning,

Measures to improve public transport include the reopening of the Phoenix Park Tunnel for services on the Kildare commuter rail line next year.  The new LUAS Cross City line, which will be in operation in 2017, will also be of significant help in this regard. The new Capital Plan also envisages significant ongoing investment in replacement and enlargement of the PSO bus fleet. TII has also looked at a range of short-term and longer-term measures to manage demand and optimise operational efficiency on the M50, which it published in its M50 Demand Management Study in April 2014 and which can be found on its website.

As regards M50 operations, TII liaises directly with other parties involved including the local authorities and the Gardai in relation to accident management procedures. I have, therefore, forwarded the Deputy's questions to TII for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don’t receive a reply within 10 working days.