Dublin Transport Authority Must Lead to Coherence

Chambers Ireland’s Transport Users Council (TUC) has today (14/04/08) reiterated its call for greater coherence in Irish transport following the publication of the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) Bill.

According to Pauline Dooley, TUC Spokesperson, “Transport planning is a very complex arena, and while we welcome many of the measures outlined in the DTA Bill, there are too many areas still left open-ended. The Government has had ample time to draft this legislation, and it is regrettable that it does not cover all of the core issues.” 

“The step-in powers of the DTA are to be lauded, but given the current confusing scenario around transport policy, we query the effectiveness of such powers. For example, under the proposed legislation, the DTA will be responsible for integrated ticketing and funding of all projects. Why then will the Railway Procurement Agency remain as a separate body? And why has the Dublin Transportation Office recently launched its consultation for its strategy to 2030?” Dooley said.

“We also await the publication of the Green Paper on a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin to see how the powers of the DTA and the Mayor will be reconciled. Although the Bill does not preclude the Mayor from being Chair of the DTA, the Mayor must have some say on what is one of the central facets of life in the Greater Dublin Area,” Dooley 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.