Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

22. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport what the expected modal shift in passenger numbers away from private modes of transport, with particular regard to the Dublin metro project, is for each public transport project envisaged under the capital investment plan; how these figures compare with the Central Statistics Office's projected population growth to 2030 and the expected increase in traffic volumes as economic activity increases; if this ratio has been factored into the transport sector's emissions mitigation plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44994/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government's decision to include the new Metro North project in its Capital Plan Building on Recovery 2016-2021 was based on the conclusions and recommendations of the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study, which was undertaken by Aecom on behalf of the National Transport Authority (NTA).  The North Dublin Study examined 25 different solutions to address the public transport needs of this corridor, including Dublin Airport and Swords, and recommended the new Metro North project as the most appropriate public transport solution to address the transport needs of this corridor.

The report of that Study, which is published on NTA's website identifies the likely passenger demand and passenger usage of the new Metro North project.  It reports that the introduction of the new Metro North project will increase passengers on the overall light rail system in Dublin by 65%, with a related decrease in bus boardings of 8%.  The overall impact of the new Metro North scheme is a 1.54% increase in public transport passengers in the am peak travel period.

Over the wider Greater Dublin Area, the NTA has recently published a draft transport Strategy for the region, which sets out a set of transport proposals and policies for delivery over the period 2016 to 2035.  I expect to receive the draft Strategy from the NTA shortly for my determination.  Subject to my approval, I understand the various elements of the draft Strategy are expected to facilitate a reduction in car commuting from a current figure of approximately 62% to 45%.

With regard to emissions, as the Deputy will be aware, it is proposed to address greenhouse gas emissions through a National Mitigation Plan, which will incorporate input from the key sectors of electricity generation, built environment, agriculture and transport.  Further to early stakeholder engagement in 2014 and an information exchange with stakeholders in May 2015, my Department is currently examining a suite of measures aimed at delivering cost effective emissions reduction in the transport sector. 

These measures will have a particular focus on policy development, smarter travel and modal shift, supports for alternative fuels and certain fiscal and taxation incentives aimed at encouraging behavioural change. Public transport projects and investment will be considered within the wider context of developing a multi-faceted response to mitigation from the sector.  The responsibility for emissions reduction is a collective one and, when all sectoral inputs have been co-ordinated, the draft Plan will be available for extensive public consultation before being submitted for approval to Government.