Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the steps in planning, approving and delivering transport infrastructure projects, including those covered in the national development plan, NDP. Today I am pleased to welcome Mr. Garret Doocey, assistant secretary general and Mr. David O'Grady, principal officer, Department of Transport; Mr. Peter Walsh, chief executive and Ms Geraldine Fitzpatrick, acting director of capital programme management, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII; and Mr. Hugh Creegan, interim chief executive and Mr. Eoin Gillard, assistant director of transport investment, National Transport Authority, NTA.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity, by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For this meeting, I proposed to call on the Department of Transport first, followed by TII and then the NTA. Once we have heard the opening presentations, members will be afforded a six-minute slot for questions and answers initially. There will be another round of contributions for those members who want to come in a second time.

I invite Mr. Doocey to make his opening statement.