Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I always asked what exact need the eastern bypass was serving. The port tunnel had provided the exit point for freight traffic out of the port and I did not see the strategic benefit of the eastern bypass so I am glad it has been removed from the greater Dublin area transport strategy. I know the route the Senator is talking about well and it does seem that there are options, either for BusConnects, the blue route bus connection or else for light rail down the line. There are two options, one running along the N11, which has the advantage of connecting to Stillorgan and Sandyford Business Park. The other option would be to use those 17 acres of UCD that have been frozen for a potential motorway. From talking to the president of UCD I gather that UCD is aware of the need to maintain some of that area, either as a greenbelt on the campus or else as a transport route. The Senator will know well where the route goes from there. You can go through Knockrabo and private land and then once you are on to the Drummartin Link Road there is the reservation on the side of the road. It is feasible and achievable to develop that, either as a bus corridor in the short term or as a light rail corridor in the long term. That is open to consultation. The greater Dublin area transport strategy is a consultative space, just like the Limerick one. If the Senator wants to make the case as someone who knows the area he would be well listened to. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of those two route options. There is a bit of a hill but other than that it has everything going for it.