96. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport the number of transport surveys carried out over the public transport networks to ensure that there is adequate capacity on routes and efficiency in delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15650/26]

Sentiment score: 0.25

I welcome to the Gallery my son, Liam, who is taking a mid-morning break from school. He is welcome. I wish to ask how many transport surveys have been carried out over the public transport networks to ensure there is adequate capacity on routes and efficiency in delivery; and to ask the Minister of State to make a statement on the matter, especially pertaining to north Kildare.

Sentiment score: 0.58

Yes.

Sentiment score: 0.40

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit for the response. The reason I raise the issue is that in the fast-growing area of north Kildare, which has had a huge population increase, we have significant challenges when it comes to transport and public transport. As we all know, the roads, including the M4 and the N7, are full coming into Dublin in the morning. We want to give the opportunity to as many people as possible to use buses and trains. Ultimately, many of those buses and trains are full. It is good to hear that the surveys are in place, that we are assessing the capacity and that the information is there. At the same time, we need to ensure the information is shared and we understand that it gets used in the best way possible. Trains coming from Kildare in the morning can be delayed. There can be buses that do not turn up. We need to ensure those data are captured. I would like any information that the Minister of State has to be shared with us.

Sentiment score: 0.29

While we are discussing north Kildare specifically, there are a couple of projects that have been set in train. The M4 bus corridor, for example, has been built. I was recently in touch with the Minister's Department looking to ensure that we get the legislation passed so we get that bus corridor open. That would be one way to take traffic off the motorway. DART+ South West has been delayed. We really need it because there has been that increase in population all the way down towards Naas and all along that corridor. We need to ensure we have a full, live DART system, as well as the one we are going to have from Leixlip to Maynooth and coming out to Kilcock within the term of this Government. There are a lot of positive projects in north Kildare and I am pushing for them, but we need to ensure other things, such as Local Link buses and buses to the likes of Johnstown Bridge, as well as more Bus Éireann buses, while at the same time ensuring we get DART+ South West in place in order that everything links up cohesively.

Sentiment score: 0.25