FF Publish Plan To Tackle Congestion And 'Improve Life For Commuters'

Fianna Fáil has published its plan to "tackle congestion and improve life for commuters in Dublin and surrounding counties."

Party Spokesperson Timmy Dooley said the country is facing a huge standard of living challenge as employment and population numbers grow, and traffic congestion will reduce commuters' quality of life and increase work-related stress on families.

"Congestion makes it harder to match the right workers to the best jobs as people will be unable to travel long distances to work. After a certain point, traffic congestion also becomes a drag on productivity and economic growth. This is going to be a major challenge for the country," Deputy Dooley said.

"If we continue with present transport policies, congestion will get worse, transport emissions will escalate, economic competitiveness will decline and people's quality of life will suffer.

"Fianna Fáil's plan would encourage off-peak commutes with a 'Toll-Saver' incentive, allowing motorists to claim 20% of their annual toll costs via a tax credit, saving an average user €200 a year.

"We estimate it could take 30,000 cars (about 10%) from peak period traffic in Dublin, which would significantly reduce congestion.

"Other Traffic Demand Measures include, regulating construction/road works to off-peak times and introducing new information and accident systems to prevent the type of blockages we saw all over the city this year from accidents on the M50.

"As a Party we believe that we have to reduce private car dependency, but the answer is not simply to make life more difficult for motorists. Fianna Fáil will place a greater emphasis on getting more car users onto public transport.

"This will require a public transport system across Dublin that is more reliable, integrated, affordable and attractive. Fianna Fáil will invest an additional €28.5m a year in public transport. The Fine Gael / Labour government with its short-sighted policies cut spending on public transport by 25%."

(MH/JP)