Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Fitzgerald for his contribution. I have been on the council with him for many years and am well aware of his ability. There are a few areas about which I am concerned. Following recent conversations with the Minister I am alarmed in regard to a number of issues but, particularly, the recent price increases for Dublin Bus. He attributed a certain amount of the increases to the input of the NTA. I would like to hear Mr. Fitzgerald's position on it. Given the increasing number of people using public transport it does not appear to make sense. We have had many price increases in recent years. The people who are most affected are the least well off because they tend to pay cash. It is well and good saying one can get better value with the Leap card but one must be able to hand over cash to get a Leap card. Many ordinary working class people will board a bus with a child and pay cash. They are the people who are hit hardest.

On the issue of the farming out of 10% of the services, I believe the NTA should protect the existing services. We can talk about whether we are obliged to go out to tender or otherwise. The reality is that 10% of the service is to be farmed out, including 100% of Bus Éireann in Waterford. That will have a huge impact and is a drive towards privatisation. In the past, the authority was never in favour of privatisation.

Will Mr. Fitzgerald outline his position on that issue?

The proposal to reduce taxi prices is causing havoc. On the one hand, Dublin Bus fares are being increased while, on the other, taxi prices are to be reduced under the latest proposals. I cannot understand the rational for this decision, especially as additional charges are being imposed on the taxi industry. Resetting meters and the other significant readjustments required cost money. While I accepted most of the recommendations of the taxi industry review group, I did not agree with all of them. This proposal will mean the taxi industry having to take another hit.

Mr. Fitzgerald referred to a number of major traffic projects. I have attended the consultations on the proposal for rapid bus routes. The cost of the proposed Swords route would be approximately €200 million. Has the possibility of investing this €200 million in existing bus services been considered? The proposed Swords route will also affect the business of private operators on the route. Has consideration been given to investing in improvements to existing routes, for example, in terms of set-down locations, road widening works, extending the routes and making them more bus friendly? I am not convinced the rapid bus proposals would provide value for money in the long run. I ask Mr. Fitzgerald to outline his position on the matter.

On the Luas extension to Broombridge, has consideration been given to extending the line further to Finglas? This option could be completed quicker than the original metro north proposal, which was to go through Ballymun, Finglas or Santry. Has the idea of extending the service from Broombridge to Finglas and subsequently to Dublin Airport been considered? It would not be as costly as metro north and could be done above ground, unlike some of the other proposals.

We have been given an assurance that the Jack Lynch tunnel would not be tolled. Does Mr. Fitzgerald have an opinion on the issue? Is the decision one for the local authority or will the National Transport Authority have an input in any such decision?