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The Irish Times has reported that, according to a
transport plan just published, buses should be allowed to
use the Port Tunnel in order to help tackle traffic congestion
in the capital.
The new action plan for an efficient bus network for Dublin
was published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport.
The proposal aims to have 80 per cent of the city's commuters
using the bus network by 2010 and includes expanding the quality
bus corridor network, expanding the fleet by 350 buses and
boosting links between the different transport systems, such
as the Luas.
The committee found that there was a "lack of urgency and
coordination" in tackling Dublin's congestion problems and
said there was a need for a "focused and determined approach"
to delivering an efficient bus service for Dublin.
"Although there has been some progress over the last ten
years, the objectives set out in the short-term action plan
proposed by the Dublin Transport Office to the year 2000 have
yet to be met" - said the chairman of the Joint Committee,
Frank Fahey. "There appears to be a lack of urgency and coordination
in the implementation of an action plan to tackle Dublin’s
congestion problems - which need to be addressed immediately
if we are serious about dealing with current traffic issues.”
The report recommended that high priority routes and cross-city
routes be designated to ensure reliable and efficient services
and that off-peak frequency be increased using the existing
fleet. It also said that buses should be allowed to use the
Port Tunnel, and a bus gate - already recommended by the Dublin
Transport Authority - be installed at College Green to facilitate
a more free flowing bus service through the centre of the
capital.
It is also seeking the construction of a temporary bridge
beween Hawkins Street and Marlborough Street to speed up journey
times, until a more permanent structure can be built.
"Traffic capacity of the Dublin road network was reached
15 years ago. Today, after unprecedented economic growth,
the pressure on the network has increased by 300 per cent,
but little additional road capacity has been provided" - said
Mr Fahey.
"Therefore, it is more necessary now than ever that we encourage
a greater number of Dublin’s commuters to use buses. This
is especially relevant over the next five years before the
light rail network is introduced throughout the city.”
Source - The Irish Times
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