Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

To go further with my questioning, I know the witnesses understand what compact growth is and what it should look like in a well-designed city. I am sure the NTA knows transport-orientated development inside out. The CCAC knows exactly what we need to do. The OPR tries to regulate our local authorities to ensure they deliver that in their plans. We all know what needs to be done. However, where we may be letting down the whole process is in the aspect of engagement with the public.

Any time we try to do something to mitigate in regard to climate, whether it is active transport plans or reorganisation of bus routes or rail to give a better service, and it impacts on some people but offers the greater good return, we get major opposition to it. The Irish Planning Institute said that elected representatives have a responsibility and the Climate Change Advisory Council said that strong political support is required. I think there is a real weakness in our political system because we have people who go out there and they will beat the drum of opposition in order to make political gain. Do the witnesses ever feel frustrated with public representatives when they see what we try to do and then see the opposition and campaigns to frustrate the whole climate action agenda?