John Ellis (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

We could argue whether the facilities exist but I understand that offers on facilities have not been taken up. If sites are not provided, I do not see how a question could arise with regard to buses. In respect of a number of recent developments around Dublin, planners have erred in deciding not to order the construction of transport infrastructure.

Major investments have been made on the national road network, which is vital to the overall development of the country. Significant progress has been made on the M1, the M4 and the N2 to Ashbourne. However, all of us who live in the north west and Border regions are annoyed by the delays in developing the M3. That road should already be in use. Commuters from the north west and the Border counties are forced into gridlock on a daily basis. I am delighted that the development of the road will proceed. It is regrettable that those who delayed the project have not had to pay the price by having to meet the extra costs which were imposed, such as the extra cost of providing the road.

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