Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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498. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has undertaken an annual review of the Smarter Travel policy as provided for in the document itself; and if so, if he will provide a copy of same. [27970/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The principles in the Smarter Travel policy are key drivers underpinning transport policy development within my Department and, as the Minister responsible for implementing these policies, I am fully committed to implementing cost effective actions that will contribute to the delivery of a sustainable and low carbon transport system for Ireland. 

The Smarter Travel policy recognises that there is a significant challenge in changing travel behaviour, a challenge that is not exclusive to Ireland. Modal shift to sustainable transport modes and reducing our reliance on the car remain key policy objectives, and this is reflected in the wide range of infrastructure investment and behavioural change programmes administered and supported by my Department.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department has commenced a review of public transport policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”. Work on this policy review is at an early stage and is currently drawing together data and information from many sources.  The review will cover all areas of public transport policy including smarter and active travel.