CAREFUL PLANNING is hugely important, particularly at this time of economic difficulty. In the past, an inadequate transport and planning system severely restricted economic growth. Because of that, we should prepare assiduously for the future. The ideas contained in a “Smarter Travel” policy document published yesterday by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey are progressive, ambitious and worthy. But they have been tainted by the failure of his government predecessors who promised similar reforms.
Perhaps it will be different this time. Mr Dempsey has a reputation for making life difficult for Cabinet colleagues when he believes strongly in a project. And he appears to be fully engaged. Support from Green Party Ministers will be forthcoming, particularly in relation to moving half a million commuters out of private cars. But the scale of the plan is so extensive that it may defeat them. Even so, if Mr Dempsey can deliver the bulk of what is proposed and make progress on the rest, it will represent a real advance.
A budget of €4.5 billion was agreed by Government for the nebulous Transport 21 programme, involving the construction and modernisation of roads, rail and other transport elements. By contrast, a few million euro will be devoted to the initial development of this scheme. The employers’ organisation Ibec has welcomed the initiative, particularly in relation to a reduction in traffic congestion and the efficient movement of goods and people. A joint conference will be held in three months time to consider what progress is being made.
Reducing the car share of total commute from 65 per cent to 45 per cent in 12 years by encouraging people to travel by bus, light rail, bicycle and shanks mare is a challenging objective. As things stand, however, the number of public buses is being reduced by 10 per cent; cycling in cities can be highly dangerous and light rail is nearing capacity. Without urgent reform of CIÉ and investment in cycle lanes, this change in commuter habits simply cannot happen. Galway has been chosen as the location where many new ideas will be tried out. Physically, the city is a good choice. But did planners consider that it has twice as many rainy days as Dublin when they chose it as a template for the behaviour of pedestrians and cyclists?
Changing the behaviour of commuters will not be easy and it will take time. But the specifics about how this will be achieved and the costs are not spelled out. Old ideas underpinning the National Spatial Strategy have been revived. There is talk about strengthening institutional arrangements, including a long-promised Dublin Transport Authority.
A better public transport system and a five-fold increase in the number of cyclists are envisaged. More people are expected to walk to work. The ubiquitous school runs will be targeted and incentives to buy non-polluting cars will be introduced. Park-and-ride facilities are again being proposed. And congestion charges will be introduced. We have been here before. Many times. Mr Dempsey has a great deal to prove.