Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I welcome the commitment and determination of the Minister, local authorities and statutory bodies to provide adequate public transport systems outside the city of Dublin. The footprint of cities such as Cork and Limerick has changed, with fewer people living in the cities and more living on the outskirts. We need a proper transit policy. I welcome Deputy Clune's question and the response.

I received the same e-mail as Deputy Broughan from the United Kingdom. I checked it out and discovered there has not been a train to Foynes in 20 years. The matter did not have the urgency I thought it did.

We need a proper public transport policy in our cities. Everyone must work together. The Minister suggested the public does not want it but this may change when people see the effectiveness and cost comparisons. Quality bus corridors and public transport are the only way forward in view of carbon emissions from cars.

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