Thomas Gould
Question:71. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether a park-and-ride facility is planned for the north side of Cork city. [22096/24]
View answerThursday, 16 May 2024
Questions (71)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including park & ride facilities.
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) established a Park and Ride Development Office (PRDO) in February 2020. The function of the PRDO is to advance plans and proposals for the delivery of strategic Park & Ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area and in the Regional Cities. This involves working with Local Authorities and transport operators, such as Iarnród Éireann, by providing full time specialist resources to develop designs and secure the necessary approvals or permits for individual sites.
The National Development Plan (NDP) identifies a Park & Ride Programme serving Irish Rail, Luas and bus stations in its national investment priorities for the transport sector. Building on these high-level priorities, work is ongoing to identity locations in the Cork metropolitan area in line with the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
Arising from this work several rail based strategic Park and Ride sites have been identified including in Dunkettle and Blarney in Cork. However, the delivery of these Park & Ride sites may be contingent on the delivery of proposals such as the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and track upgrades, work is ongoing to advance proposals in advance of such interventions where possible.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.