Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a few words of wisdom. I commend the delegates on their professionalism, dedication, commitment to meeting the big challenge we all face as a society. The interaction with the public is impressive. The NTA is always listening and ready to engage. Significant changes have been made and resulted from a consultation process. Democracy is well served by interaction between communities and State bodies. The NTA conducts its business in a very professional manner.

I live in Drogheda. A park and ride facility has been proposed on the Malahide Estuary and is ultimately intended to cater for 2,000 vehicles a day. That would take a significant number of vehicles off the streets of Dublin. What is the status of the plan?

Yesterday I spoke to Deputy Farrell who hopes to make it to the meeting. We discussed connectivity between the metro and the Northern rail line links. As I understand it, one has to travel to Tara Street before one can reconnect to the rail network. Deputy Farrell thought there might be an opportunity to have another connection point on the Northern line. Has the NTA considered that possibility? Millions of people come through Dublin Airport every year and many of them could continue their journey on the DART or the rail line to Belfast. I would welcome a response from the delegates, as best they can, but they should make sure they respond to everybody.