Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy 2011-2030

Challenges include how to free up road spacefor economically essential traffic by furtherincreasing the share of travel by means other thanthe car, particularly to the city centre and otheremployment centres. We need to consider howto target public transport improvements to areaswhere access is currently poor. This will increasethe labour pool that can access jobs in Dublincity centre and other employment centres, andwill allow more people participate in the GDAemployment market.At a local level too, there is a need to connectpeople to the jobs, shops, schools, health facilitiesand other essential community services they need,by a range of travel modes, focussing in particularon improving local public transport, cycling andwalking facilities. The Strategy needs to payparticular attention to improving connectivity forthose living in disadvantaged areas. The Strategyalso needs to ensure that transport facilities aredesigned with the needs of mobility impairedpeople and people with disabilities in mind.The current public transport network is not very easyto understand, deterring new users. Simplificationsof fares and ticketing and improvements to travelinformation all need to be addressed. Making thepublic transport network easier to use needs to be atthe heart of the Strategy.Very good progress has been made in reducingtraffic accidents throughout the GDA in recentyears. The Strategy needs to build on this further,placing a particular emphasis on improvingsafety, and perceptions of safety, for those whowalk and cycle.Walking and cycling can contribute to thehealth and wellbeing of GDA residents andthe communities they live in. The Strategyneeds to identify how walking and cycling canbe encouraged, including for leisure andrecreational purposes.The environmental challenges associated withtransport are significant. Overall, Ireland’s GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions in 2009 were 12%above 1990 levels. GHG emissions in the transportsector were 149% above 1990 levels. The Strategyneeds to identify means to stabilise or reducetransport related GHG emissions and the use offossil fuels to power transport in the GDA.The hugely varied natural landscape of the GDA isa precious and unique asset which should be valuedand maintained. The Strategy needs to minimise itsimpact on natural amenities.Executive Summary: page 5 www.2030vision.ie