Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Motorists want to know when it is likely there will be alleviation and what will happen for the duration of the works, which I accept are necessary. It is proposed to put in a grade separation at the Red Cow interchange where works went on for three years on the Luas. Now we start all over again to put in a grade separation and this will create circumstances that are almost impossible for motorists. Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and during peak hours in the evening the circumstances are impossible and full scale refurbishment works to put in new lanes and grade separations during this period will make it virtually impossible for motorists. What are the Government's recommendations?

The Taoiseach seems to have examined the contract and he stated a buy out is not feasible. Perhaps the contract entered into was imprudent from the point of view of the State and the taxpayer but we are stuck with it. When is barrier free tolling likely to be implemented? That is what the motorist on the M50 wants to know. It is unconscionable that he or she should be asked to continue to pay a toll during the period of refurbishment. Can a temporary relief be negotiated with the company to open the toll plaza for the duration of the works? Does the contract prevent the building of a new bridge? Is the Minister for Transport concerned about this issue? Will proposals emerge to provide alleviation for people not only from west Dublin who cannot get to work in the morning but from the surrounding dormitory towns, particularly in Counties Kildare and Meath?

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