Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

On the question of credibility of Transport 21 and projects like the metro, there is a need for accountability here in a way that is different from that proposed by the Minister. I do not disagree with him on the issue of protecting the interests of the State and of the public procurement process, but I would like to see the Comptroller and Auditor General or another person or body independent from the political system audit these at a reasonable time so that it would not be merely a matter of taking the Minister's word — not that we would ever disbelieve what he would say — and that all of this would be benchmarked. There were significant overruns in previous road projects. I acknowledge the progress that has been made by the National Roads Authority in changing the process and keeping an eye much more sharply on the expenditure, but this side of the House would need independent benchmarking of this issue.

My colleague in the Seanad, Senator Donohoe, is particularly concerned about the potential for significant over-runs on the metro project. The Minister has taken a particular position. I acknowledge the integrity of protecting the public purse, but at the same time it is our job to make the Minister accountable and to have transparency outside of the political system. Perhaps this can be done through the Comptroller and Auditor General. I do not know who should do it but perhaps we can discuss the issue in a committee meeting and follow best practice elsewhere. As a party in Opposition, we must ensure that we have accountability and transparency as early as possible in projects and we should be as incisive as possible in regard to them.

Another question I wish to raise is the vision that is required for public transport, especially under Transport 21. I have been travelling to this House from Drogheda for almost 11 years. My travelling time is still the same if I travel by train although I accept the rolling stock is much better and even though more people are standing, they are happier with the service which is running well and is on time. I left the town of Drogheda at 6 a.m. and encountered significant volumes of traffic, which would not have been the case ten years ago. Previously, I could reach Leinster House in an hour and 15 minutes by car. Now I would be lucky to get here in an hour and a half, and the journey can take up to two hours if I leave home between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. On that benchmark it appears Transport 21 is failing.

I previously referred to park and ride facilities. Deputy Kennedy and I agree that we need park and ride facilities on the approaches to the city. We need a faster delivery of such facilities on the northern approaches to the city that I use myself.

The Dublin Transport Authority Bill was promised years ago. My researcher informed me that Fine Gael proposed to set up a Dublin transport authority in the 1980s, but it was abolished by Fianna Fáil.

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