Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy raises an interesting point in asking where we see all of this going. First, I agree with her that we need to ensure the focus is on maintaining the network in terms of better punctuality and increased capacity and reliability. If we learned anything from the “Prime Time” programme last night, it is that this has an implication, and the Deputy has been a long-time champion of working from home. It also requires us to continue to fund and increase the funding for BusConnects to deliver it and have it rolled out to ensure the significant progress we all agree has been made continues. That is why the programme for Government is very much committed to ensure that BusConnects delivers. Today, that is why we have the transport accelerated development plan being put in place because all of us benefit from having enhanced public transport that is reliable and punctual.

It is also about continuing to work with the Deputy and others to ensure there is an augmented and enhanced upgrade of the bus fleet so that we can have that critical piece, which is reliability and accessibility. The key point for me, based on the Deputy’s experience of Dublin West, is that we continue with the network redesign programme and ensure we are a bit radical, a word I used earlier, when it comes to local routes. We need to look at how we can take some of the existing services and not just streamline the network but deliver for the people.

Undoubtedly, the programme last night raised issues with the M50.

There is no magic wand. We are-----