Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Strachan is on a good one already. The delivery of the MetroLink infrastructure is vital. When it is delivered, the people of the country, not only those in north Dublin, will wonder how they managed for so long without it. I agree it has to be delivered in a fiscally responsible manner. No one wants to see massive cost overruns or the pouring of millions upon millions into any project. We have been burned a lot in carrying out big infrastructure projects. I have a two-part question about this. Is there anything from Crossrail that Mr. Strachan believes is directly applicable? He is bringing his huge depth of rail experience here, which is very exciting. How does he believe the whole project can be moved forward more quickly, albeit with the planning situation we have?

My other question is on BusConnects. BusConnects is moving forward in Dublin. Where it is being delivered, I believe there are improvements. I am happy to see BusConnects being rolled out. We are seeing a delay in Cork, however. There is now a third round of public consultation, and we are looking at 2025, if not beyond, for delivery. I am working on issues such as next-generation ticketing, active travel, cycle lanes and better traffic-light management with local representatives in Cork, namely Peter Horgan and John Maher. We support improved transport infrastructure. Is there an opportunity to fast-track the measures I have mentioned for the Cork transport system? Although Mr. Strachan stated we want to get things right rather than deliver quickly, is there an opportunity in Cork to make progress on these measures while waiting for the routes to come through?