Major projects will be blocked if local authorities and developers in and around Dublin fail to provide adequate transport services for large-scale developments.

The move has been stipulated under plans being finalised by Daíl Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey.

The new legislation, to be introduced within weeks, will see the implementation of the long-awaited Dublin Transport Authority. The new body, which is set to have greater powers than first envisaged in original plans under Mary O'Rourke in 2000, will hold power over planning decisions taken by local councils.

-- Advertisement --

The decision to give the body overarching powers concerning large developments that generate heavy traffic has been made with hindsight to disastrous past planning decisions and amidst concern over Ireland's increasing commuter CO2 emissions.

The local authorities, in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow will have to show that development planning has included specific area transport consideration or plans could be rejected out of hand.

Councils can dispute a transport decision, lodging an appeal with the Minister for Transport or the Minister for the Environment.

(VB/JM)