ENVIRONMENTAL agency An Taisce has urged immediate action on Dublin’s congestion problem, which it says has returned to 2008 levels.
An Taisce warns the consequences of traffic congestion include negative impacts on economic productivity, public transport and air quality.
According to the agency, greenhouse gas emissions rose by 2.1 per cent in 2013 over 2012 levels, which jeopardises EU 2020 Climate targets that Ireland has committed to.
An Taisce has submitted measures to be taken to help combat the crisis including a review of future transport investment, suspension of the M7 Co Kildare lane widening scheme and urgent short-term action on congestion.
While it welcomed proposals for major public transport infrastructure put forward in the North Dublin Transport Study, An Taisce called for an urgent review of transport planning for the remainder of the greater Dublin area.
In particular it called for Dart Underground to be made a priority, as it integrates services across Leinster and
‘maximizes the benefits of the existing network’.
An Taisce also believes that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) should be adopted as it’s the most cost efficient way of
‘strengthening the critical mass and efficiency’ of public transport corridors.
It also urged that the Dart Underground Heuston to Docklands scheme be reactivated to
‘integrate mass public transport at the city centre’.
An Taisce also highlighted how traffic congestion was contributing to unhealthy lifestyles and obesity in Ireland.