Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for allowing me to share his time. I was going to make a national speech, but as the Minister of State has mentioned Tallaght several times, I should be allowed to mention Tallaght a few times. Before Deputy Shortall heckles me, I compliment her on her initiative in this area. It is good that she has given us an opportunity to air our different views. I am sure different political points will be made and that is fair enough. I have often praised Deputy Mitchell, but it suits Deputy McEntee to sit in the Ceann Comhairle's seat.

This is an important debate and we all know the challenges for public transport. I drive into work some days and I use the Luas other days. There are difficulties and challenges involved. Tallaght is the third largest population centre in the country and the Luas has been a great success. However, there are still public transport problems in the area. The people of Tallaght are being let down by Dublin Bus. New estates and communities have been established in Tallaght in the last few years, with many people coming from different parts of the city and elsewhere. Many of the estates in Ballycullen, Firhouse, Westbrook and so on have huge populations, yet Dublin Bus has decided not to cater for them.

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