Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2016 – 2035 approved by Minister

The National Transport Authority today (April 6^th) announced that its work in preparing a Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), 2016-2035 has concluded (in accordance with Section 12 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act, 2008), that it has been approved by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, and has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Strategy will guide decisions on transport throughout the region and will contribute to the economic, social and cultural progress of the Greater Dublin Area (counties Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare) by providing for the efficient, effective and sustainable movement of people and goods.

The Strategy was subject to public consultation in autumn 2015. 155 submissions were received, of which 43% were from individuals and residents’ groups, 11% from private businesses and a further 11% from TDs and Councillors.  All submissions were reviewed in detail and taken into account in the finalisation of the proposals. A Consultation Report is published alongside the Strategy.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “We are delighted that the Transport Strategy for the nation’s Capital Region has been approved by the Minister.  This is the first time that a strategic map of transport planning for the decades ahead has been set down on a statutory basis – it gives a firm basis to all agencies involved in planning for the future development of this region.

More information on key elements of the Strategy is available in the following document – Key elements of GDA Transport Strategy

Editor Notes:

The following documents are published today:

• Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035
• Public Consultation Submissions Report
  • summarising and setting out the Authority’s response to each of the submissions received during the second round of public consultation, which comprised the publication of the Draft Transport Strategy, and the subsequent changes made to the strategy report
• Environmental Report
  • Setting out, as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment, the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the draft Strategy, in compliance with Article 9(1) of SI 435 of 2004.
• SEA Statement
  • prepared on approval of the Strategy
• AA Natura Impact Report
  • in compliance with EU Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, commonly known as the Habitats Directive, an Appropriate Assessment has also been carried out and a Natura Impact Statement has been prepared to determine if the draft Strategy will impact on the integrity and conservation objectives of relevant Natura 2000 sites.
• Appropriate Assessment Conclusion Statement
  • prepared on approval of the Strategy.