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

I thank both contributors from the Dublin Commuter Coalition and Dublin Bus. It is interesting to get their perspectives on what they feel could be done. I certainly want to agree with some of the points that were made by the Dublin Commuter Coalition with regard to the longevity around the delivery of public transport projects, whether that is the Luas or other projects. The point is that we have to put our hands up and say that Ireland is an unmitigated disaster when it comes to delivering infrastructure for public transport in our city centres in particular. Obviously, Dublin as a primate city certainly suffers heavily from congestion in comparison to many other countries within the European Union.

I am not sure if Mr. Jose from the Dublin Commuter Coalition has seen my previous contribution but I am guilty as charged, as are many others who live in rural Ireland, as I commute to Dublin city, and I commute twice a week for work, but public transport is not an option for me. What practical steps can the Dublin Commuter Coalition recommend to reduce the volume of traffic on the M1, M2, M3, N4, N7 and M11? Can it suggest transit facilities? Unfortunately, much of the traffic in Dublin city centre is the result of people commuting from radial towns around the capital city, while the provision of bus lanes, space for segregated cycleways and an increased footpath infrastructure are badly needed. Finally, I compliment Mr. Jose on his contribution to the committee.