Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming in. I do not expect an answer to my first question now but it follows on from the last meeting and then the end of the exchange with Deputy O'Rourke at the start of this one. I refer to how TII would view positive changes in our planning system. I am not asking the witnesses to speak off the top of their heads or anything, but TII is such an important central cog in big projects we all care deeply about that it would be interesting to get its perspective on the planning system. It is a system that can be quite dense and hard to understand for the public and then for us as conduits to them. I am not sure how these views would evolve and, ultimately, be communicated from TII. It would be good, though, as a committee, to hear at some stage how TII feels about this change. We are on the cusp of oral hearings next week on the MetroLink project. This is the big one now but there are so many others and we will have more coming down the pipeline. I refer to just a comment in this regard.

To get a bit local for a moment, can the witnesses provide an update on the Fingal coastal way, which is a very exciting greenway project stretching from Sutton to Balbriggan? There are three phases to it. There is the Broadmeadow Way now that crosses the Malahide to Donabate Estuary. This is under construction. Public consultations are going on up the coast. It would be good if it were possible to comment on how that project is progressing or how TII views it.

Additionally, there are several lacunae in the context of this project. One is that there should be a loop-in for Swords, which is at the very opening of the estuary. This is the main county town of Fingal. Equally, however, it is not just a loop for a loop's sake. A lot of work is being done in Swords to develop the cultural quarter and that is being delivered. Theatres and arts spaces are being delivered and Swords Castle is open and thriving as a tourist destination. There are also exciting plans for future pedestrianisation of civic spaces. We will also then, please God, have the MetroLink. There is, therefore, a strong argument for a loop there to close out these developments. Additionally, there is a strong argument to include Kinsealy as well. These elements should be included in the planning context in this regard. I would appreciate it if the witnesses have any comments to make on the Fingal coast way.