Mr. Garret Doocey:

How do we link everything up at a strategic level? That is where the intersection between the development plans the Deputy has mentioned and the transport strategy comes into play. In the greater Dublin area, which also includes Kildare, there is a statutory link between the transport strategy, which I mentioned earlier on, and local development plans. Both must take account of each other and reflect each other. If you are planning housing in an area, that needs to be reflected in the transport strategy and vice versa. The transport links where local authorities are putting future housing developments need to be taken into account. At a strategic level, that is where you capture those issues and try to roll out the infrastructure in a co-ordinated fashion. Below that strategic level, there is probably room for improvement. That is some of the work being led by the Department of public expenditure and reform through the task force on accelerating infrastructure and with regard to the timeliness of delivery and how authorities can work across what some would call "silos", although I would use the term "organisational boundaries", to ensure co-ordinated investment so that the water, electricity and transport go in at the same time. I understand that is also part of the work of the housing activation office. When we see significant areas of growth outlined in development plans, we must ensure that supporting infrastructure is put in place in advance or at the same time to enable that housing infrastructure to go in. In terms of specific locations for traffic improvements, underneath the strategic plans and transport strategies, there is constant engagement between local authorities, whether on the regional and local roads network or on public transport.