Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree that Ireland is one of the worst countries in Europe. The Deputy should examine other comparisons. The Deputy is correct that there have been significant increases in emissions in the transport area. One reason is there are more cars on the road but there are other factors. The Deputy is correct that there is no rail link to Dublin Airport. However, there are advanced proposals for a metro line.

In the past five years, however, the Government has put substantial additional funding into public transport. In one year, 20 times more was allocated than when Fine Gael was last in Government and held the transport portfolio. I am not clapping ourselves on the back for this because for generations there was far too little investment in public transport. The Luas has been brought on stream. The DART's capacity has been more than doubled and its network extended. Additional commuter rail services have been provided for and the bus service has seen major investment.

A great deal has been done and much more remains to be done. The chances, however, of it being done are far greater under this Government than they would be under any alternative.

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