Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Both Mr. Edwards and Ms Keane will be happy to hear it was reflected in the survey results that buses are considered to be one of the safest modes of public transport in comparison with the DART, the Luas, mainline rail or taxis. I say "Well done." I would like the details relating to cost sent on.

I will move on to the NTA. One of the issues that came up was reporting. People feel that they either do not report or if they do report, they do not get it. That reflects the communications issue, which has been well aired today. I do not get why there are multiple sources for real-time information, particularly in light of modern communications technology. I heard the explanation. I will not ask witnesses to explain the position again.

The other big software-related issue that people do not understand is why the introduction of cashless payments has taken more than a decade. When Covid hit, every small operator was able to go cashless within a matter of weeks or months. People use the Leap card. The way the card has evolved is good, but people do not understand why they cannot use their phones to pay and why it has taken more than ten years to deliver. We are two years out from when the system will be in place. What is the timeline for that and why is it taking so long?

On community consultation and engagement, I recognise and welcome the organisations' participation in forums. There is huge frustration in the Dublin Central constituency because the NTA has lodged two planning applications, one for MetroLink and the other for the BusConnects' Ballymun-Finglas route into the city. Both projects are broadly welcomed and supported, but the planning applications relating to them are enormous. The NTA is well resourced to prepare such applications and engage with the process. Individual residents are-----