Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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89. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Waterford metropolitan area transport strategy; if the metropolitan area strategic plan, MASP, can be amended to include Tramore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35525/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Deputy is aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA), in collaboration with Waterford City & County Council, has commenced work on developing the Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (WMATS).

As I understand it, the Waterford Metropolitan Area as defined for the purposes of the transport strategy, is the same Metropolitan Area as defined for the purposes of the Waterford Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan within the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, thus providing a direct link with the relevant land-use strategies. This integration between transport and land-use is extremely important, particularly in the context of the climate action challenge, and is an issue that has featured for many years in discussions on transport in Ireland.

In relation to issues affecting transport in the wider area, including Tramore, and how those issues might be usefully considered within the strategic planning framework, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.