Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The other issue, which the Minister mentioned in his opening remarks, relates to the more urban sense of how every market town in the country is choked up with traffic and space is at a premium. The Dublin traffic plan is the big one we are seeing before us now in respect of addressing this issue. Those of us who travel in and out through Dublin recognise that at some critical times there is a major problem with congestion and all that goes with it. I know that a plan has been put in place and has the support of Dublin City Council, but some people have reservations about it as well. The big reservation that must be borne in mind is that approximately 20% of people have disabilities. While many of these people might have access to public transport at times, they must always be able to get very close to where they need to go because they may not be able to gain access otherwise. It is vital that we consider those people who use cars to spin around in, including those with a visual impairment, wheelchair users, etc., in the context of these plans. This aspect must very much be borne in mind in respect of any plan being put in place.

We also have the situation, of course, where we must live in the real world. I spoke to someone recently who has a daughter who works in a late-night venue in the city centre. When she comes out of work, there is no public transport and seldom is it possible to get a taxi, so she often rings home to get someone to pick her up. If there are restrictions on where people can go, it becomes a problem in this type of situation. There needs to be a proper examination of the time zones when traffic management plans of this type are being put in place if this is possible. These initiatives can have a detrimental impact because we are all aware of how dangerous, unfortunately, Dublin city centre can be at certain times, particularly for vulnerable females leaving work, possibly in late-night venues, etc. We must consider all these aspects. I was disappointed with the intervention of the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, in respect of the traffic management plan. I did not think it was necessary and felt it was inappropriate. We must all work together to try to deliver in this area. We should be trying to do this as a team effect. It is certainly a poor reflection on the team that is in government that such a thing occurred in the first place.

I hope the Minister will be able to set out information in respect of other issues concerning access through Dublin city centre. Obviously, this is something that may happen in other urban areas too. We may have to look at restrictions because of congestion. I refer, in particular, to those who may be delivering goods and services to shops and those who work in the construction industry, etc. A whole range of industries needs this type of access to urban areas regularly. All these aspects must be borne in mind. I thank the Minister.