Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

This transport debate is very important and relevant, particularly given events in recent days. It is also relevant because of the congestion in our cities and towns, the road safety matters of speeding and deaths and the recent issue regarding provisional licences. In my constituency, it is relevant because of the debate surrounding the Dublin Port tunnel.

It is important we acknowledge that major improvements have been made in the roads infrastructure of the country. Any objective assessment indicates there has been a significant improvement in the quality of some of our roads in the past nine or ten years. All Deputies should acknowledge this reality when they can see roads like the M1 and construction of new roads between Dublin and Galway. We are moving in the right direction as infrastructure is put in place. We should acknowledge the major improvements in our road and transport infrastructure before we make critiques and go into the details of the debate.

This is an important matter in the context of the broader society and economy in this country. Quality transport services and roads are a major investment in the economy and assist everybody as well as dealing with matters such as road safety and congestion. If we are to develop the economy a quality transport system and road network must be in place.

I hope the aims of Transport 21 will be delivered in the ten-year timeframe. The €34 billion budget is significant expenditure, funding a large number of projects. It is a major investment on which I wish the Minister well. Much work has been done recently and more must be done but we must move forward. It is important all Members of the Oireachtas keep an eye on the large budget of €34 billion to ensure value for money and accountability.

We must also set targets for ourselves, and we need the public on our side of the debate. In dealing with transport, we have to consider economic issues, health and safety and, in recent years, we have had to take on board environmental issues. It is important to accept these as part of the broader debate when we consider the €34 billion budget.

There should be less spin from many politicians and more real debate. It is very important the people involved in these projects exercise common sense with regard to budgets, planning and management systems. They should not con or mislead people affected by these massive road project investments. I say this because of my experience with the construction of the Dublin Port tunnel in my constituency. The residents of Fairview, Marino, Santry and Drumcondra had major concerns about the tunnel and I was involved in the negotiations on behalf of the residents when I was a city councillor in 1999. I made my submissions and supported all the residents in Dublin North-Central on the matter. At the time we were concerned about potential damage to homes, although we were told at the time it would not happen. The residents were proved correct and as of today we have 354 damaged homes in Dublin North-Central arising from the construction of the Dublin Port tunnel.

I accept that compensatory cheques are being paid out to some of these owners but in the beginning, the residents were told by some of the people involved in these projects that nothing was going to happen and the people had an alarmist attitude. The reality is cheques have been paid out over the past few weeks. It is important we accept such circumstances.

The Dublin Port tunnel project was more than €250 million over its budget. I argue, as somebody elected by voters in Dublin North-Central, that we must have accountability and ensure that when we manage these big projects, the rights of local residents are protected. We have a duty as Oireachtas Members to ensure the money is spent wisely.

Currently, in my constituency we have 119 outstanding claims arising from construction of the Dublin Port tunnel. I would like to see residents, who have suffered hassle and hardship, being allowed to get on with their lives. The city manager should be a little more proactive in resolving the last 119 claims relating to cracks, damage to people's roofs, plumbing and glazing problems.

There are 256 serious cracks, 40 minor cracks, damage to windows and damage to roofs, plumbing and glazing. There are 22 other complaints. There is a total of 334 complaints and the debate is not over. People regularly come to my office with new claims. I urge those dealing with the Dublin Port tunnel to resolve this issue. It is important these families are looked after.

The quality of the road surface is important. There have been major improvements on the Malahide Road and the reaction has been positive. When the improvements are finished, residents of my constituency and other motorists who have been complaining about the damage to their cars and the safety issue will be satisfied.

Kilmore Road, off the Malahide Road, is the site of the Stardust. I welcome this morning's announcement of an independent examination of the Stardust Victims Committee's case for the re-opening of the inquiry into the Stardust fire. The site is a constant reminder of the terrible tragedy. I raised this issue in my agreement with the Taoiseach. A sum of €200,000 has been paid to the families. The inquiry will start today. I pay tribute to Antoinette Keegan and all the families for their diligent work on this issue.

It is essential that we look at rail and DART services. Rail is a safer and more environmentally friendly option for many commuters. Harmonstown Station, Killester Station and Clontarf Station are all in Dublin North Central. As part of the €34 billion investment in public transport, I would like improvements to be made to the services for these stations. We must address overcrowding on the DART in the mornings because it is a public safety issue. The commuters I meet who use the service as it passes through Killester, Harmonstown and Clontarf always mention this issue. The development of transport services must include an examination of peak time travel on the DART. There has been investment in the service in recent years but we must continue with it. In pushing for improved services in transport, we must develop rail services. They fit in with environmental policy and the debate on climate change. We must look at examples of good practice, such as the Luas.

Many provisional licence holders got a bad press recently. Figures indicate that less than 12% of provisional licence holders were involved in an accident in the past six years. Many people who have been labelled as irresponsible drivers in recent weeks have a better safety record than many of us with full licences. Our young people are getting it in the neck even though they are very careful.

I commend the fact that €34 billion is being put into transport infrastructure and I urge all Deputies to keep an eye on the budget so accountability and transparency are top of the agenda.

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