Introduction

The various area plans examined in the preceding sections are not mutually exclusive. Their success depends heavily on establishing an inter-linking and constructive relationship between each other. Their success will also be influenced by two crucial factors - land use and transport. All this urban renewal work will stand for nought if it is not backed by a coherent metropolitan strategy in relation to land use that encourages higher densities and which is not frightened by the idea of higher buildings. The authorities must arrest the sprawl of Dublin that is strangling the hinterland, extending to the far reaches of Leinster. This low density American style city 'plan' is unsustainable as it puts a huge strain on our already jammed roads. It also ensures that public transport becomes less and less sustainable. Yet an efficient and modern public transport system is the key to unlocking the success of the plans we have for Dublin.

Anyone who drives in Dublin city will be familiar with the traffic congestion and accompanying frustration that has become synonymous with travelling in the capital city. But hope is not lost - much is being done to improve this situation. Agencies such as Dublin City Council, the Dublin Transportation Office, and CIE are working in a concerted manner towards improving the situation. Better public transport, through the introduction of Light Rail and Quality Bus Corridors, improved enforcement of traffic regulations, a strategic and coherent parking policy, the introduction of environmental traffic cells, are all indicative of the measures being taken to tackle the traffic problems of the city.

The glue that will bind the redevelopment of Dublin together and link all of the Integrated Area Plans and Development Authorities is the Dublin Transportation Initiative. If Dublin's traffic problem is not successfully dealt with then all the recent redevelopment will have been in vain as the city chokes from gridlock.

The following statistics illustrate the enormous growth in travel demand in the Dublin Area in recent times:

• Vehicle ownership has increased by 100,000 (25%) in the last five years.
• Peak hour trips have increased by 80,000 (40%) since 1991.
• Port traffic has increased from 7.7 million tonnes in 1991 to 18.4 million in 1998.
• Airport passengers have doubled from 5.5 million in 1991 to 11 million in 1998.

The Dublin Transport Initiative (DTI)
The DTI is an integrated transport strategy for Dublin, which aims at securing a shift towards public transport (and cycling/walking) and away from the private car. The Final Report of the Dublin Transportation Initiative (DTI) was published in August 1995. It recommended an integrated transportation strategy for the Greater Dublin Area for the period up to 2011. The Government decided that the DTI Strategy should provide the planning framework for the future development of the transport network in the Greater Dublin Area.

One of the key recommendations of the DTI Final Report was that the DTI Strategy should form the first phase of an ongoing transportation planning process. The Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) was set up in 1995 to carry on that transportation planning process. The DTI 'Vision for Dublin' was to produce a practicable set of recommendations for new transport infrastructure and complimentary measures to manage projected growth in the demand for travel from all sections of the community over twenty years.

It aimed not just to provide another report on a shelf but an ongoing planning process. The DTO makes a continuous input to transportation planning and land use policy through a team of engineers, planners, GIS officers and administrators who specialise in Transportation Planning, Transportation Modelling, Traffic Management and Land Use Planning. Overall responsibility for the DTO rests with the Steering Committee appointed by the Minister for Transport.

The Dublin Transport Initiative (DTI) has had a major influence on the development plan. This initiative is intended to provide a balanced transport system including the development of the light rail transport system (LUAS) and quality bus corridors (QBCs) and the Dublin Port Tunnel.

The Dublin Transport Initiative (DTI) recognises that the car has its rightful place in the transport system but should not be allowed to dominate it. The attraction of commuting to work by private car must be reduced. It aims to do this by improving the reliability, availability and quality of public transport. Overall, the DTI aims to provide a transport infrastructure that allows for the continued economic development of the Greater Dublin Area but is also sustainable. It wants to reduce congestion on DublinÕs roads to pre 1991 levels. In the 16 year period from 2000-2016 the DTI will cost _14billion to implement.

This will be achieved by implementing a three-part strategy:

Firstly, there will be a radical transformation of the public transport. The bus network will be greatly expanded, with the addition of more Quality Bus Corridors and an overall higher passenger handling capacity. The current DART service will also be upgraded, with more trains at peak times, and more carriages per train. Phase 1 of a new on-street light rail system (LUAS) is due for completion in early 2003. A Metro system will be built on the busiest routes. Park and Ride facilities will be available at strategic locations to allow commuters to avail of public transport were possible.

Secondly, there will be a limited number of road improvements.

Lastly, demand management measures will be enforced. The DTI recognises that to reduce usage of the private car proactive steps will have to be taken. This will take the form of congestion charges on busy routes, taxing workplace parking and reducing peak time commuting through flexible working hours.