John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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1144. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the recently published Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 to 2035 is Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10333/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the preparation of a Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The statutory objective of the Strategy is to provide a long-term strategic planning framework for the integrated development of transport infrastructure and services in the GDA. The development of the newly published Strategy has been informed by a full public consultation, as well as detailed analysis of population and travel trends and has been subject to a full cost benefit analysis in line with the Public Spending Code. My predecessor approved the Strategy on 24 February pursuant to section 12(13) of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the document has now been laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published. 

The New Partnership Government is committed to a “Social Economy” model to deliver a strong economy and a fair society. I am advised that the GDA Strategy will contribute significantly to the "Social Economy" and will assist in the delivery of more sustainable patterns of economic growth. The Strategy is fully in line with the Capital Plan and will be instrumental in the development of the new National Planning Framework which will promote higher urban densities in terms of housing design, particularly in public transport corridors. Outcomes include reduced travel times on the strategic road network, an increase in sustainable travel modes from 44% to 55% for commutes and the facilitation of more efficient use of land within the GDA.

Under the 2008  Act the NTA must review the transport strategy every six years following publication. The Act also requires the NTA to now prepare an integrated implementation plan which must be submitted within 9 months. That plan will set out how the NTA proposes to implement the Strategy over the next 6 years and will be subject to a full public consultation in advance of seeking my approval.