Mr. Paddy Mahon:

I will respond to the other questions from the Deputy. In terms of achieving the target resources, assuming we have funding in place for some or all of those resources, it is definitely a challenge. It is a factor of the labour market at present. One example is that, more than 12 months ago, funding was put in place for active travel resources through the Department of Transport in partnership with National Transport Authority, NTA, and 60% to 70% of those resources are now in place 12 months later. It is not something that happens overnight, but significant progress has been made in that space. I expect that with the level of ambition and expectation there is within the sector, it would be treated as a priority by city and county councils. However, there is no doubt it does not happen overnight and there is no point pretending otherwise.

The Deputy mentioned the prospect of having to change legislation in respect of experimental traffic and trying to put in place alternative traffic systems. That has been raised with us through our committees at the County and City Management Association, CCMA, and we have engaged with the Department of Transport on it to see if the existing legislation is fit for purpose or if it needs to be changed. It is with the Department of Transport at this stage. In my past, along with one of my colleagues we did an experimental pedestrianisation of Main Street in Westport approximately 20 years ago and we learned a lot from the feedback from businesses, politicians and the public. It is very important to be able to do these things, but to do them in partnership with the communities, businesses and enterprises so things can be learned from them without creating significant opposition and antagonism in that space. It would be helpful if the legislation allowed it to happen more easily, possibly, but at present we have passed that back to the Department of Transport and look forward to its response on it.

The Deputy also mentioned the issue of river water quality and groundwater quality. That is something another committee of the CCMA is dealing with. A business case is being prepared in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to put in place the necessary resources local authorities need to manage that area effectively. That is going through a business case process in partnership with the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA. In time we expect it will deliver in terms of resources so that area can be managed effectively as well.