Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Mullaney and I get what he is saying with regard to the 2+1 meaning a reduction of only 5 m. However, depending on the length of the bypass it can be quite expensive. The Transport Infrastructure Ireland document submitted to us recently included the costs of some road projects. Even if we were to reduce the cost of a bypass by 20%, there would be an accumulative saving. Slowing down speeds is not such a bad thing either in terms of emissions. As Mr. Mullaney pointed out quite rightly, we have to be aware of induced demand. If a big flashy two-lane dual carriageway is built, it will induce demand. It will not achieve the purpose of reducing emissions, but will encourage more car usage. I suggest even those smaller savings could be invested in public transport systems for the rural areas and rural towns we will be bypassing, which would serve a greater population and would be of better benefit in the public interest.