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Supporting Evidence-Based Policy Making


SRAD (formerly EFEU) plays a lead role in supporting evidence-based policy-making across the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Evidence-based policy-making refers to the analysis of policy choices based on objective evidence and research. This is achieved through ensuring both that high quality empirical evidence is available and accessible, and also that this evidence is used to inform the policy-making process.

Information on recent projects can be accessed via the links below.

Cost of Congestion in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA)

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s Economic and Financial Evaluation Unit undertook a research project, to estimate the cost of ‘aggravated congestion’ (which we define as congestion levels above those which would be expected on a properly functioning, busy road) across Ireland’s transport system, and how it is expected to grow, without intervention, in the coming decades.

In this report, (published, July 2017) we estimate the annual value of time lost to road users due to aggravated congestion in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), as compared to a scenario where the network is performing well. We estimate this for two years:

  • 2012, which is the most recent year for which sufficient empirical data exists to calculate it; and
  • 2033, to provide an estimate of how congestion levels in the GDA are likely to increase in coming decades, without significant infrastructure investment and/or other policy initiatives.

The analysis undertaken for this report estimates the cost of time lost due to aggravated congestion is €358 million in the base year (2012). This is forecasted to rise to €2.08 billion per year in 2033. The annual cost is forecasted to grow moderately up until at least 2025, but will begin to increase sharply after that.

Cost of Congestion - Main Report
The department has undertaken a research project to estimate the cost of ‘aggravated congestion’ across Ireland’s transport system, and how it is expected to grow, without intervention, in the coming decades.
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Cost of Congestion - Appendix A - International Evidence
This section details findings from relevant international literature on congestion, its associated costs and methodological issues in calculation.
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Cost of Congestion - Appendix B - Methodology
This section sets out the methodology which was utilised in the production of this analysis.
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Cost of Congestion - Appendix C - Detailed Results
The attached files outlines the primary analysis that was undertaken on congestion in the GDA.
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Evidence Base – DttaS Data Strategy

Data is used in the operation, monitoring, delivery and evaluation of large elements of the Department’s work. As such, the availability of timely high-quality data is, increasingly, a critical part of this work. SRAD has led the development of a Data Strategy to inform and improve the role played by data in the Department’s work for the period 2017-2019. The document contains an overview of the current status of data within the Department, identifies a number of areas for improvement and sets out an action plan.

The Strategy and supporting documents including appendix are available below.

DTTaS Data Strategy 2017-2019
The purpose of this strategy is to set about a realistic and appropriate plan to improve the availability, quality, management and use of data within DTTaS. In developing this plan, this document attempts to answer a number of key questions
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DTTaS Data Strategy 2017-2019 - Appendix - Primary Standards and External Obligations
In forming the Department’s data principles it is critically important to take account of both external and internal commitments and obligations that are already in place or underway.
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DTTaS Data Strategy 2017-2019 - External Consultation Report
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport’s Data Strategy was subject to a targeted external consultation process in November 2016.
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Informing Policy Actions – Strategic Analysis

In addition to assisting the broader department through analytical support for ongoing project work, SRAD takes a lead role on certain policy projects. Typically these involve papers, briefs or analysis of a technical nature. A key example of this is the unit’s work on the ‘Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport’. The document, produced in conjunction with an expert steering group, presents an evidence-based framework to guide future investment in the road and rail network.

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