Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine if his Department will have responsibility for coordinating the undertaking of integrated transport and land use plans in the hub towns; when this work will begin; and is expected to be completed. [18052/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Transport 21 investment programme aims to provide an integrated transport system, which is fully informed by the key policies set out in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS). Key to the strategy is the concept of balanced regional development. To achieve this, a framework of Gateways, Hubs and other urban and rural areas have been established, which will open up new opportunities in the regions and give people greater choice in where they live and work.

The NSS states that, to support balanced regional development, Ireland's transport networks must build on the radial transport system of main roads and rail lines connecting Dublin to other regions, by developing an improved mesh or network of roads and public transport services; ensure, through building up the capacity and effectiveness of Ireland's public transport networks, that increases in energy demand and emissions of CO2 arising from the demand for movement are minimised; allow internal transport networks to enhance international access to all parts of the country, by facilitating effective interchange possibilities between the national transport network and international airports and sea ports; and address congestion in major urban areas by increasing the use of public transport. The NSS also sets out a number of policy guidelines, which are particularly relevant to Transport 21 and have been taken into account in its drafting. Transport 21 also takes account of the Regional Planning Guidelines adopted during 2004.

The key responsibility for land use and transport planning in the hub towns rests with planning authorities guided by policies from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department works closely with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in integrating transport policy with land use planning. I envisage a strengthening of such co-operation, given the importance of this issue and the commitment in the Programme for Government to deliver integrated strategies for hubs. I also envisage that this matter will be addressed in more detail in a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which I am committed to delivering.