Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to speak in this debate on our budget. It is a progressive, socially caring and innovative budget and has been generally well received by the public and business. I congratulate the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen. The Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, appeared in the House just a while ago. The €4 billion package for transport is impressive. Developing our infrastructure across the country is very important. It is correct to borrow for infrastructure if necessary and the majority of our people and public representatives accept that. Transport is vital to the economic well-being of our country. For businesses large and small and commuters a good road infrastructure is essential. The budget for our national roads is €2.3 billion while local authorities have €600 million. That will be welcome across the country, including my constituency, where many roads need money spent on them. I particularly welcome €1.3 billion for public transport. Last night I heard Deputy Burton denigrate metro north. My constituents in Dublin North and the people in the rest of Dublin cannot wait to get metro north up and running. I hope Deputy Burton is listening. Next year a railway order will be made and metro north will proceed. Hopefully Deputy Sargent and I will have the pleasure of taking the first train from Swords.

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