Irish Times Article (1/3/2011)

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Article entitled: NTA opens consultation on transport in Dublin to 2030

FRANK McDONALD, Environment Editor

THE NATIONAL Transport Authority (NTA) has opened an “extensive” public consultation on its draft transport strategy for the greater Dublin area, looking to 2030 and beyond.

“When our economy grows, we need to be ready for the additional journeys and traffic that this will bring,” said NTA chief executive Gerry Murphy. “Long-term transport planning plays a fundamental part in preparing for this future.”

The strategy includes implementation of both Metro North and Metro West as well as Dart Underground, a new Luas line from Lucan to the city centre with a possible extension to Poolbeg and another line serving the southwest (via Kimmage).

It also envisages extending the Luas Green Line to Bray, followed by southwards extension of Metro North enabling its services to run on to the Green Line. This would involve more tunnelling in the city, south of St Stephen’s Green.

Dealing with suburban rail services, the strategy proposes an additional track between Balbriggan and Connolly, Cherry Orchard and Inchicore, together with closures of level crossings, to enable increased train frequencies and reliability.

It also pledges the introduction and further development of Smartcard ticketing, a transition to an integrated zone-based fare system within the metropolitan area and good quality passenger interchange points with waiting areas and well-planned connections.

Mr Murphy said the NTA’s strategy was “not simply a list of transport infrastructure measures”, but also proposed changes in the management and operation of the existing transport network “to make best use of what we already have available to us”.

In addition, the strategy, drafted over the past three years, “sets out policies to integrate land use planning and transportation service delivery, and highlights the importance of personal travel management in ensuring that the region fulfils its true potential.”

There had already been consultation with members of the public and with business and community and public representatives. The draft will be finalised for presentation to the next Minister for Transport in May/June following the last round of public consultation.

Copies of the strategy and its associated environmental documents are available for download and comment on the NTA’s consultation website, 2030vision.ie. They are also on display in its offices at Dún Scéine, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2.

Public comments and feedback are welcomed until the closing date of April 11th.