Mr. Cormac O'Rourke:

I agree with the Deputy that the motorway network appears to have had an impact on the railways. The rail service is fine for getting from one city centre to another. However, it is probably easier to travel by road when going to areas such as west Cork.

On the question about traffic projections, as I understand it, traffic increases in direct proportion to GDP and I think everyone got those rates wrong. Undoubtedly we got the traffic projections for motorways wrong at the time, mostly because everyone, myself included, was over-optimistic about GDP growth rates. I agree with the Deputy that we would probably get the biggest bang for our buck on climate change through the use of public transport in cities rather than transport outside those areas. It is also relevant with regard to mainline rail. My understanding of climate change is that we are a lot closer to our targets but for all the wrong reasons; it is as a result of the lack of growth rather than any proactive actions on our part. Climate change problems are a result of economic success. It would be a good problem for the country to have.

We are working with the Department in the hope that projects such as the New Ross-Enniscorthy road can be started in advance of the sale of State assets. Once the issue of the sale of State assets has been resolved - once we know the funding is in place - we would hope to commence in advance of the funds becoming available. However, I do not have a date for that.

I share the Deputy's concerns about visibility when driving on motorways in the rain. Lorries at speed are particularly dangerous. I suspect this issue may come under the remit of the Road Safety Authority rather than the National Roads Authority. I will come back to the Deputy on that. Anything which reduces spray levels on motorways is to be welcomed. It is the case that drivers do not slow down in bad wet conditions. Driving through spray is very dangerous.