Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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496. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans the NTA has to increase the number of park and ride facilities within Clare. [42800/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is leading the development and rollout of strategic park and ride sites nationwide.

The NTA established the Park and Ride Development Office in February 2020, which had been included as an action in the Climate Action Plan 2019. The function of the Office is to enable the delivery of park and ride sites by the NTA in collaboration with Local Authorities and transport operators such as Iarnród Éireann, across the country. Through the Park and Ride Development Office, full-time specialist resources are now employed on such projects.

The Programme for Government commits to working "with local authorities and relevant agencies to develop affordable Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts of major towns and cities". I look forward to further development of Park and Ride facilities in County Clare in the coming years.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.