Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Senator Feighan said that most cities experienced this problem but the reality is that they do not. When one travels to other capital cities, one realises just how dire is the situation in Dublin. One would cringe with embarrassment to make comparisons. The reason for the situation here is the lack of sustained funding and forward planning. It requires foresight because population growth creates a need for increased capacity.

The tolling of the M50 was mentioned as a solution but how can that possibly be acceptable? What other options have TII and the NTA looked at to address the serious capacity issues? These issues do not look like being rectified in the near future. Has reducing car usage been looked at as an option? What plans are there to deal with this? I did not hear anything on this in the presentations.

There are serious issues around rush hour, particularly in suburban areas, and the green line was mentioned. There has been chaos and mayhem and, after all the planning that there was, a complete hames was made of the situation. Passengers were left standing at the side of the road, they were late for work and they were late getting home from work. The TII statement gave an explanation for the situation and Mr. Nolan said all seven trams would be working at the end of the summer. Can he guarantee that and that it will be absolutely sufficient to cater for the numbers and for the increased demand?

Metro north is the next major piece of infrastructure for Dublin city. Will it be paid for by the State and then, as was the case with the Luas, handed over to be run by a foreign private company? The NTA mentioned the lack of funding. Can Mr. Creegan explain that? In what areas is there a lack of funding and how much is involved? Approximately how much would be needed, annually, to bring Dublin up to the standard one would expect or would see in other capital cities? Will the funding in Project Ireland 2040 be sufficient to bring us up to those standards?

Mr. Creegan mentioned some short-term initiatives to improve Dublin transport and traffic, including the Go-Ahead contract. Can he explain how privatising routes can be an improvement? Deputy Troy referred to the increased customer numbers in our public transport system and the fact that this has not been matched by an increase in infrastructure and fleet. How will the Go-Ahead contract be a positive thing?

Mr. Creegan also said additional investment would be made in park-and-ride provision. This is in every county council development plan but it never materialises. The glossy brochures only gather dust and I am beginning to think the Project Ireland 2040 plan will end up going the same way. Can Mr. Creegan say exactly what investment has been identified and outline the timeframe for delivery? What capacity will it cater for?

We have another problem in Dublin, although it is rather minor in comparison with everything else.

I am speaking of rickshaws, in respect of which there is a very obvious need for regulation. The National Transport Authority has a role in this regard. Given all of the issues arising with rickshaws, including reports that they are facilitating drug dealing across the city, what is the status of regulation?