Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. O'Rourke for his contribution. His curriculum vitae is very impressive. What impact are the motorways having on the rail network? It seems to be much easier to access the major cities by motorway.

It also seems to be a disincentive to use a train. Were motorway traffic projections over-egged, so to speak?

I have a question about the issue of climate change and our carbon targets. The advent of motorways has presented a significant challenge to efforts to persuade people to use public transport. Will Mr. O'Rourke hazard a guess at a timeline for the New Ross-Enniscorthy road? Motorway surfaces are grey and rain is grey. I have noticed that very few lorries seem to have wheel skirts to prevent spray. It is particularly difficult to drive on a motorway in such conditions. We all know it is necessary to reduce speed in those conditions but this is a regular weather feature in Ireland. I acknowledge the difficulties faced by the road haulage sector and I do not wish to impose further regulation on the industry. However, it would be preferable for lorries to use wheel skirts in order to prevent spray from rising on motorways.