Concern Expressed at the Balkanisation of Transport Roles and Responsibilities

Chambers Ireland’s Transport Users Council (TUC) has today (05/03/08) called for greater coherence in Irish transport policy as a matter of urgency, following the publication of the Transport 21 Annual Report. The current situation is bad for consumers, business, and Ireland as a whole.

Seán Murphy, TUC spokesperson said, “Whilst we welcome the publication of today’s report and the accountability that it displays, the lack of coordination in Irish transport policy remains a major cause of concern.” 

“For example, despite the majority of Dublin’s Transport functions now coming under the auspices of the Department of Transport, there is a disquieting absence of consistency in this arena. Transport policy is coming from a plethora of sources such as the consultation on sustainable transport and travel “Vision 2020”; the proposed legislation for the Greater Dublin Area Transport Authority; the forthcoming Department of Transport Statement of Strategy and the Dublin Transportation Office,” he said.

“When Transport 21 was launched in 2005 one of the core aims, it was said, was to develop an integrated solution to Ireland’s transport needs. It is time to realise the integrated nature of the programme and ensure that Irish transport policy is coordinated, cohesive and coherent,” Murphy concluded.

For further information, contact Jessica Dempsey, Press & Communications Officer, Chambers Ireland on 01-400 4303, 086-608 1605

or email jessica.dempsey@chambers.ie.