8.4 The Strategic Approach
Following on from previous development plans and from statutory guidance, the strategic approach is based on the following principles:
- The content of the National Transport Authority’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016 – 2035. This sets out an integrated long-term strategy for the area and includes new public transport proposals such as DART and Luas expansion and also a new Metro route. Whilst spanning a longer time frame than the development plan, DCC is guided by the proposals contained therein.
- In accordance with the National Transport Authority strategy, a hierarchy of transport users is supported, with pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users at the top of this hierarchy, having their needs considered first in the planning of transport provision.
- Placing a stronger emphasis on sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport, particularly for short trips and journeys to work and school.
- Taking a pro-active approach to influencing travel behaviour and effective traffic management.
- Prioritising transport and movement schemes, particularly those that increase the use of public transport, walking and cycling, that can be implemented in the short term, bearing in mind that major schemes take longer to deliver and will not by themselves provide the capacity to achieve transport targets.
- Restricting through-traffic and calming traffic generally within the city centre, and to give increased levels of priority for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, along with associated improvements to public realm.
- Underpinning all transport and movement measures with an integrated approach to land-use and transportation that promotes intensification in accessible areas.
- Achieving a reduction in pollution and greenhouse gas generation, so helping to mitigate climate change.
- Tackling these issues holistically so as to facilitate continued economic activity while reducing vehicular congestion and improving air quality, so having a positive impact on health.
- The development plan supports the need for a city centre transport study which sets down a framework for how the city’s transport network can be redefined to cater for increased usage, by better utilising infrastructure available, and moving towards a more sustainable and efficient use of public realm in the city centre, but will have full regard to the protection and development of employment, the economy and cultural vibrancy within the city centre. The study will aim to move towards a more sustainable and efficient use of the public realm in the city centre and will integrate the policies of the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council in an agreed framework. Any City Council approved project identified in the study will be subject to full Environmental Impact Assessment in order to clearly ensure that the anticipated effects on the environment are measured.