Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 17 November 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport

National Development Plan 2021-2030: Discussion

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will make a concluding remark, Chairman, if I may have a just a little bit of leniency. I have one other issue. The two to one strategy on public investment in public transport versus that of roads is something about which I have many concerns as a rural Deputy. The obvious reality is that the lion's share of that public transport investment will be going into Dublin, particularly the metro project. It is a mammoth project in terms of the capital resources that will be allocated into that area. I ask, therefore, that that ratio would get further analysis to make sure there is balanced development on behalf of every Member of the Oireachtas in this House who is not from Dublin. That is incredibly important to all of us to ensure that all of our regions are being helped. As the Minister well knows, even in my area, and dare I mention Castlemartyr and Killeagh, which I must because that is a prime example, our public transport services in that region, including those heading off towards the west Waterford direction and towards Waterford city, are entirely dependent on the quality of the national roads that the bus services service as well. That point must be made, therefore, because many parts of Ireland do not have access to a rail network. That is just one key example. That is my one word of caution, if I may say so.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.