Commuters asked for opinions on Dublin transport system

Dublin- Commuters will have a say in the future of Dublin’s transportation system for the first time.

A vision of the capital’s road, rail and tram links will go under public scrutiny as transport chiefs consult future projects with members of the public. The Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) will take submissions from commuters, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians through a new public consultation website www.2030vision.ie. The strategy, to run from up to 2030, will replace Transport 21.

John Henry, DTO director, said transport in the greater Dublin area impacts on millions of people throughout the country. “We are planning for the people so the people should know what we are doing, what we are saying, and we should know what that they are saying,” he said. “Whether you live in the Dublin region, or you travel to Dublin to work or college every day, or simply for occasional shopping or socialising, almost everybody in Ireland comes to Dublin and so has their own opinion on transport.

“We want to hear all views on what the key transport issues are, and to learn what people feel the objectives for Dublin’s transport should be.”Consultations have already taken place with business and community groups, tourism organisations, and representatives from counties Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.The strategy has now being opened for public input before a consultation process begins through advertising, public meetings and websites.Launching the scheme, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey there will eventually be fewer cars in the city centre, but stressed it would remain open for business.Mr Dempsey also attempted to ease concerns of massive disruption for motorists and businesses during the construction of the Metro North and Interconnector between 2010 and 2015.“We are trying to create a world class transportation system for the greater Dublin area,” he said.“This will entail some disruption, but we plan to minimise that to ensure people can continue to do their business and travel through the city.“Works will be taking place at different places at different times, and whatever disruptions there will be confined to a particular area.“We are also mapping out public utility works so that can be carried out at the same time.”Mr Henry revealed a congestion charge, like the one enforced in London, “could come” in to Dublin city.“We are going to have to look at that at some stage in the future,” he said.“But it’s too early to say what there might be.”He also stressed private cars may be rerouted from the main thoroughfares.

“All we need is access to shops in the city centre,” he added.“Traffic that has no need to be there should be rerouted to go elsewhere.”Meanwhile, the Green Party will launch its submission to the Government’s public consultation on Sustainable Travel and Transport tomorrow.Transports spokesman Ciaran Cuffe said the ten point plan promotes a sustainable transport system that will reduce our dependence on increasingly expensive fossil fuels.