Ms Deirdre Hanlon:

On how we identify stakeholders, in the course of the public transportation process we are taking a broad view and coming at this from a sustainability perspective. We are looking at sustainable transport, of which there are various types, and then more detailed aspects such as cycling and active travel. The stakeholders on the State side are easy to identify. We know the various bodies and have strong contacts with them. We have built up fairly strong relations with several stakeholder bodies. Through the NTA and local authorities, there is a familiarity with the groups that represent different interests in this area. About a year and a half ago, the Minister hosted an event in the Mansion House which was attended by a number of groups and to which several cycling groups were also invited. They are also invited to attend another engagement tomorrow, a technical workshop event which will examine the detail of some issues. We notice that groups involved in cycling are easier to identify because they make themselves known, feature in the media and appear before Oireachtas committees. Our interest is in promoting, encouraging and facilitating active travel, which is cycling and walking. It is harder to identify groups that represent the public interest in the area of walking. We endeavour to make up for that by seeking the views of various parties that have expressed views in this area and wish to engage in public consultations. We advertise the public consultation widely. It only opened about seven days ago so we have not yet been inundated. However, we expect to see a flow of submissions coming in the coming weeks.