New figures highlighting Dublin’s lengthy commute times are evidence of the huge public transport challenge facing the new Government, according to business group Dublin Chamber.
 
The Chamber was reacting to figures published today in Eurofound’s new European Quality of Life Survey, based on data compiled in 2016, which reveal that Dublin has the fifth longest commute times in Europe.
 
Dublin Chamber’s Head of Public Affairs Fergus Sharpe said: “Yet again we see Dublin’s transport issues laid bare in an international study. These newly published figures highlight why the progression and execution of key projects such as MetroLink, BusConnects and the Dart Expansion Programme are so important. The business community has been crying out for greater investment in public transport for years now. The MetroLink project is important, but not sufficient on its own. We need to see real commitment to all elements of the DART Expansion Programme, including the underground rail interconnector which has been talked about in one shape or form since the early ‘70s. This would be a national as well as a regional project, uniting Ireland’s intercity railway network while also providing the backbone of an urban mass transit system. Whatever the composition of the new Government formed this year, it must show real ambition and commit to delivery of both projects.”
 
Mr Sharpe added: “Traffic congestion in the Greater Dublin Area is currently costing the economy around €350 million per annum – and that cost is rising all of the time. By 2033, that figure is forecast to hit around €2 billion. Lengthy and inconsistent commute times are having a very negative effect on quality of life in the city and surrounding counties. Understandably, this is leading to high levels of public frustration with the poor state of Dublin’s public transport offering relative to comparable cities elsewhere in Europe. Quality of life is a central component of any city’s economic competitiveness. High-capacity mass transit routes will also be critical enablers of new housing provision. The reality is that we will not be able to address the accommodation crisis in a sustainable manner by relying on the private car.”
 
Ends
 
For further information please contact:
Graeme McQueen | Head of Communications | Dublin Chamber | 086 212 6444 | graeme@dublinchamber.ie