Better public transport and traffic management in Dublin must be addressed immediately if the continuing deterioration of traffic conditions in the city is to be halted, according to the Dublin Transportation Office.
It said the delays in implementing major infrastructural projects, such as the Luas light rail system, meant that there was a greater need to accelerate significant investment in other sustainable modes of transport.
"It is essential that adequate resources be provided to transform the bus services in terms of additional routes, an enhanced fleet and the completion of the quality bus corridors programme," the DTO declared.
"Similarly, an enhancement of the suburban rail and DART services is desirable. Also, investment in the development of the DTO's cycle route network would produce significant results."
The DTO is finalising a "short-term action plan" addressing traffic management to ensure a more equitable and efficient use of road space. This, too, would require "considerable resources."
Meanwhile, the National Roads Authority is to carry out an extensive "origin and destination" survey of motorists using the M50, which is now carrying almost 60,000 vehicles a day.
Starting next Monday, questionnaires will be distributed to motorists at every exit from the motorway. Those who complete the form and return it to the NRA will be entered in a free draw - for a car priced at £13,000.
