Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on Transport 21. While I support and welcome all sensible projects and solutions to our transport needs, it is important to also look at the downside and at value for money concerns. I accept we have moved on and now have some of the best roads in the European Union. This is welcome. I particularly welcome the major motorways, cross-Border roads and any plans for the future development of the island as a whole.

When it comes to major infrastructural projects, there are some downsides. The hidden story in my constituency concerns the Dublin Port tunnel and how it affects residents in my community. As well as the tunnel being €250 million over budget, the hidden story is there are now 273 houses in the Marino, Fairview and Santry area that have been damaged as a result of the tunnel's construction despite residents being given a commitment their houses would not be damaged. Of the houses damaged, 152 were inside the 30 metre zone with 121 outside it. The homes of 149 families have been repaired so far and in another 113 negotiations are ongoing.

I raise this issue because it is important when planning major projects to ensure professionalism and that local communities are taken care of. I urge the Minister to ensure the residents of Dublin North-Central whose homes have been damaged are given proper compensation. The compensation offered so far has been way below a sensible solution. I urge the Minister to persuade the Government to pay the people whose homes have been damaged and get on with business. The tunnel is there now and that is the reality. Of course, the Government must also be concerned with safety issues.

I strongly welcome the metro to the northside of Dublin. I welcome in particular the two stops for Griffith Avenue and Drumcondra. Griffith Avenue is probably one of the nicest avenues in the European Union as Deputy Carey would know having visited many cities. The metro will be a great service for the people on the northside and I welcome this major project. I hope the Government will look after local residents and commuters and make sensible decisions with regard to these projects.

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