The Progressive Democrats have announced their aim is to ensure that commuters into Dublin will have no more than a ten-minute walk to the nearest public transport.
At a public meeting in Gormanstown tonight, PD Meath East candidate Sirena Campbell will present a written contract between the party and commuters, pledging to pursue measures which will improve quality of life in Dublin's commuter belt.
Progressive Democrat election candidate Sirena Campbell
The PDs are proposing:
- That the IDA is mandated to treat Dublin's commuter belt as a single region in terms of job creation and investment-seeking activity
- A regional database of workers and professionals living in the region who are interested in working locally
- Safe and efficient pedestrian and public transport access to all commuter railway stations, as outlined in the policy paper Access All Stations, ensuring commuters will not have to walk for more than 10 minutes to a stop for at least one form of public transport service.
"The explosive growth of Dublin's commuter belt has created a whole new set of challenges. Local people are frustrated about transport, housing, planning and lack of employment opportunities," Ms Campbell said.
"Anti-social behaviour by our young people is perhaps the most worrying issue for families. Politicians need to be made aware that a teenage time bomb is ticking in the commuter belt's new estates, thanks to a lack of positive outlets for young people's energy.
"This is a vital opportunity for local people and community groups to make their voices heard. They need to be part of the development of effective polices which will help address the challenges facing modern families," she added.