Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

My main concern and the reason I raised this issue is because of the arguments between the RPA and CIE about the use of Broadstone, which the Minister may have seen and which I am sure he has heard about. Again, it highlights the need for a Dublin transportation authority to knock their heads together.

It is outrageous that providers of services that are meant to integrate at Broadstone should be publicly rowing. Again, this will hold up the decision and the provision of the service to everybody. Does the Minister agree that it is ludicrous that the Dublin transportation authority is not in place and making these decisions when, again and again, we are given examples of how urgently it is required?

The question of the impact on bus services is again the cause of rows between Dublin Bus and the RPA and highlights the need for the Dublin transportation authority. I beg the Minister to encourage the construction of more bridges across the Liffey. This is essential if we are to provide transport services. I believe the construction of Macken Street bridge finally started in the last few weeks. They have been talking about starting construction for ten years. It was ready to go ahead ten years ago and has only started in the past few weeks.

There is a great need to provide bus services across the Liffey when the metro is being built, never mind the BX line. There will be chaos unless we have alternatives available by then.

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