Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1438. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to mitigate increasing traffic congestion on busy routes and arteries in each of the four Dublin counties; when such measures will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1546/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While traffic management in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is a matter in the first instance for the seven local authorities in the GDA, I recognise that the growth in travel demand is becoming an increasing challenge in our towns and cities. 

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the GDA. Under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for the seven local authorities in the GDA for the implementation of sustainable transport projects including traffic management projects. 

The Government’s recently announced 4 Year Capital Plan maked an allowance of €130m for STMG projects to 2021. These include Quality Bus Corridors, road safety and accessibility schemes and traffic management projects throughout the GDA and will allow transport infrastructure to function more effectively and will help relieve traffic congestion.

Over €110 million will also be invested in new urban cycling and walking routes which will provide additional sustainable travel options to complement increased capacity and faster, higher quality public transport in our main cities. 

The Plan also provides investment of over €770 million for the BusConnects programme to address growing congestion in the Dublin region in the short to medium term. Bus Connects will provide a greatly enhanced bus service across Dublin, with high quality infrastructure, including continuous bus lanes as far as is practicable along the busiest bus corridors along with a network of park and ride facilities at key locations, enhanced services and major improvements in ticketing and information, all providing a modern, faster, reliable, convenient and attractive public transport solution.

Work is ongoing on the redesign of the bus services network and also on infrastructure proposals for Core Bus Corridors which will be an integral part of the programme.  When this work is completed the proposals will be launched for public consultation in the first half of this year.  

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to the various projects under these programmes. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.