Dáil Éireann - Volume 598 - 24 February, 2005

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Mr. Durkan Mr. Durkan

  139. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the total number of parking places provided at the rail stations of Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip, Confey, Hazelhatch and Sallins; if it is intended to provide extra car parking in the near future in view of the lack of adequate space at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6465/05]

Mr. Durkan Mr. Durkan

  140. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will direct the provision of extra parking facilities adjacent to all rail stations throughout north Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6466/05]

Mr. Cullen Mr. Cullen

  Mr. Cullen:I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together.

Park and ride facilities are an element of the Dublin Transportation Office, DTO, transport strategy 2000 to 2016, A Platform for Change. There are two main types of park and ride facilities, bus-based, where scheduled bus services operate from purpose built car parks, and rail-based, where parking at rail stations can effectively widen the catchment of the rail services. There are currently a total of 576 parking spaces in the areas outlined by the Deputy. The DTO working group on rail-based park and ride, consisting of DTO, Iarnród Éireann, RPA and GDA local authorities, produced a strategy for the development of rail-based park and ride facilities in the GDA in November 2004.

I am acutely aware of the need to have adequate park and ride facilities in order to facilitate the modal shift from car use to the use of public transport. I am considering the findings and recommendations made in this strategy, which includes a recommendation for the provision of additional or enhanced parking facilities at various stations. I will address this matter in consultation with the relevant authorities.

Dáil Éireann 598 Written Answers. Public Transport.

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