Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
36. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science education the discussions that have been had with the Department of Transport to ensure that students of higher education facilities are able to commute to their place of education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14576/25]
View answerThe Department of Transport is responsible for transport policy and overseeing transport services and infrastructure. My Department is engaging with that department to facilitate the alignment of student accommodation policy with climate action requirements. The development of local area demand management schemes in conjunction with the relevant local authorities aims to provide targeted public transport services, aligned to college/university timetables, with support for alternative travel methods to and from college through provision of cycle ways and bike to college schemes.
My officials also formed part of the Department of Transport’s ‘Generators of Demand- People’ expert subgroup given the tertiary sector’s role in generating transport journeys; thereby inputting directly into the draft National Demand Management Strategy (yet to be published).
In addition, under the Public Sector Climate Action Strategy 2023-2025 public bodies are tasked with encouraging the use of sustainable transport modes and acquiring the NTA’s Smarter Travel Mark to demonstrate robust communications, policies, facilities, incentives and supports in favour of sustainable commuting.
Officials continue to progress any opportunities that present to deepen engagement with the Department of Transport and progress commuting options for students of higher education facilities.
