John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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48. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will instigate a full review of public transport policy as contained in the programme for Government in view of the increasing transport congestion in Dublin; the format this review will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38697/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As the Deputy is aware, the Government recognises the importance of public transport and is committed toward its further development within the context of available funding.  That's why the Programme for Partnership Government provides for a full review of public transport policy to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy.  I believe that any revised policy must ensure that the interest of passengers and taxpayers are at the heart of public transport policy.

I am currently considering with my Department the approach that we will take to a policy review in 2017.

Insofar as congestion issues in Dublin are concerned, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has overall responsibility for the implementation of their published Transport Strategy for the GDA. I recognise that there is evidence of increasing congestion in the Dublin region and that this is being manifested on the M50 and on access routes into the city centre. It is fair to say that we will have to secure a step change in funding of public transport if we are to deliver and maintain a well-functioning transport system that will support economic recovery and deliver modal shift.  My Department is in close contact with the NTA about addressing travel demand growth in the Dublin region with a view to intensifying efforts to combat congestion in the short to medium term through greater use of bus priority, demand  management and  other alleviating measures.  I expect this work to allow me to make the case for increased public transport investment, as part of the review of the Government's capital plan in 2017.