Duncan Smith
Ceist:245. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether Dublin needs a Government led anti-congestion plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2226/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 15 January 2026
Ceisteanna (245)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, I acknowledge that Dublin is facing congestion challenges. I also recognise that delays caused by congestion can impact socio-economic conditions as well as personal health and well-being.
Within this context, my Department is finalising a new national demand management strategy, ‘Moving Together.’ This strategy aims to make our transport system more efficient and reduce the impacts of car dependency and congestion on the economy, the environment, and public health.
Once the national strategy is approved, the National Transport Authority will bring forward a similar strategy and scheme for the Greater Dublin Area, which in turn will reinforce the effort already underway by Dublin City Council to reduce congestion under the Dublin City Transport Plan.
In addition to this longer term strategic planning, we are already pushing forward with direct action to reduce congestion by reducing the need for private car use around the Dublin area.
These include the rollout of the transformative BusConnects programme, the extensive growth of the DART network and increases in rail services, as well as direct action to encourage the use of active and public transport through the improvements in walking and cycling infrastructure and improving our fare structures on public transport services.
By reducing congestion in our cities and towns, we will also reduce harmful emissions, and improve the air quality, safety and liveability of our urban spaces.