8.1 Introduction

The continued delivery of an efficient, integrated and coherent transport network is a critical component of the development plan core strategy. The strategy makes optimum use of existing and proposed transport infrastructure, and Dublin City Council works with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and relevant transport agencies to deliver key projects.

Sustainable forms of transport such as public transport, walking, and cycling are strongly promoted in this plan, which takes a pro-active approach to influencing travel behaviour and effective traffic management. These are seen as important elements of a progressive policy that can contribute to climate change mitigation and a more sustainable city. A crucial factor in the discussion of movement and transport is the challenge of tackling climate change. The Council shall use its powers to manage transport related spaces in the city so as to reduce transport-related emissions in the city area by at least 3% per year over the lifetime of the plan.

The context for transportation planning in the city has changed significantly in recent years and future public transport projects will now be guided by the National Transport Authority’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (2016 – 2035). In addition to the above, a consultation draft ‘Dublin City Centre Transport Study’ has been developed jointly by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority and seeks to address the imminent transport issues facing the core city centre area for the 2015 – 2023 period. It contains specific proposals to improve public realm and prioritise public transport use and active travel.

An integrated approach to land-use and transportation generates efficiencies and helps to sustain and improve existing transport systems. Zoning objectives for the city have been developed with this in mind. Any plan or project, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects that has the potential to give rise to significant effects on the integrity of any European site(s), shall be subject to an appropriate assessment in accordance with Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the EU Habitats Directives.