Cyprian Brady (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy Cregan, with the permission of the House. I do not have much experience of belly grass but we have an enormous challenge in front of us. I fully support the implementation of the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill because it is one of the most important steps we must take if we are to seriously meet the challenge of reducing our CO2 emissions. It is a major challenge, not just for Ireland. We have all seen the documentaries and films, and listened to the various NGOs and groups involved in this area. It is a global challenge and this country's gas emissions currently amount to some 70 million tonnes. This has to be reduced to an annual average of 63 million tonnes between now and 2012 in order to meet our Kyoto commitments.

Each of us contributes to carbon emissions. Research shows that transport represents about 20% of emissions, energy accounts for 22%, industry around 17% and agriculture 28%. It is in all our interests to take on that challenge. Changing the way we pay our VRT from July this year means that everyone buying a new car will have its VRT rate determined by its carbon dioxide emission rating and it will no longer be related to engine size. I would request we get some form of standardisation in measurements, particularly among the car manufacturers, because that is an issue we shall have to take into account when we are introducing these measures.

Motor tax also increases under the Bill depending on the size of the engine. For example, the motor tax changes are 9.5% for cars below 2.5 litres and 11% for vehicles above that threshold. When it is considered that since the last increase in 2004, there has been a 15% hike in inflation, this is well within that limit. Car owners, of whom I am one, are prepared to contribute towards reducing CO2 emissions. This is reflected in the fact that 95% of cars on Irish roads are under 2 litres. I believe car owners are in favour of the fact that the additional funds raised from VRT and motor tax will be used primarily to finance the development of regional and local roads. Again, it is a matter of guaranteeing and showing people that they are getting value for money in terms of where their money is going. When one looks at the manner in which the bin charges were introduced, for instance, there was a great deal of furore initially. People then saw the benefits and the system is now working quite well. The reinvestment of these taxes into the development of regional and local roads is essential. We have all seen the improvements that have taken place on primary routes and motorways around the country.

This positive action is only one of the many initiatives we must implement if we are to reduce the need for the use of cars and ultimately CO2 emissions. In Dublin, for example, more and more commuters are availing of additional public transport services to get to and from the city. We have good quality bus corridors in place, which are very successful. We have increased train and DART services. The introduction of Luas along with the opening of the port tunnel has taken more cars and trucks out of the city than any increase in car tax could possibly do. I see the benefits of this at first hand. Deputy Finian McGrath mentioned the port tunnel, and I see the enormous difference that has made to areas such as the East Wall and North Wall, not just to the climate and environment, but to living conditions.

We must continue to improve our infrastructure and public transport service. I am delighted that national and local government have ring-fenced funding to achieve this through the national development plan. However, as a public representative for Dublin Central, I ask that those involved in bringing in the new public transport services do so in a co-ordinated, properly planned and managed manner. All of us who work and live in the city centre suffered as a result of the delays in the introductions of the Luas and the port tunnel, for instance. Both of these projects took much more time than originally planned. As a result, residents in central Dublin and hundreds of thousands of people coming to work every day were subjected to long traffic jams. We had queues of buses, cars, goods vehicles and taxis all stuck on the major arteries coming in and out of the city. They were sitting there for long periods, emitting a great deal of CO2. I have always held that the whole thrust of traffic management in Dublin should be towards facilitating a fast throughput of traffic through the city. Whether that is by means of integrated traffic lights, priority being given to buses and trams or other measures, it is an essential part of any forward planning that needs to be done.

In Dublin city in particular, we are now facing into a series of major construction projects over the next decade. The Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, is currently planning for the construction of the new metro line from Swords to St. Stephen's Green, the construction of a new rail interconnector line between Heuston and Connolly stations and a link between the two Luas routes, all essential projects for which the city is crying out. In addition, major construction works are due to commence in many parts of the inner city, for instance the old Carlton cinema site in O'Connell Street, the Department of Health and Children offices in Hawkins Street and the old offices of The Irish Times. Work on a new Macken Street bridge on the Liffey is to begin shortly and there is also major construction at the Mater hospital site. All this work is due to take place over the next few years. Unless it is properly planned, however, Dublin city will be a building site, totally unsuited to work in or live in and totally inaccessible to visitors. That is in nobody's interest. We need to be logical about how these projects are put in place. I welcome the Minister for Transport's common-sense approach in stopping the introduction of any congestion charges until such time as the public transport work is carried out.

I ask all the relevant agencies and the construction companies to adopt a similar common sense approach to this work which is essential to the future of Dublin city. Those living and working in the city still remember the problems, the congestion and the effects on the environment of construction projects that took twice as long to complete than originally planned. I refer to the Luas project. Ten or 12 years ago, we spent five years fighting to get the Luas in place and now that it is up and running and paid for, it is the best thing since sliced bread. These projects must be properly planned and must be completed as efficiently and as quickly as possible.

I note the improvements which have taken place, in particular in the area of planning. Proper planning is essential if we want to make a difference to the environment. It is important to ensure the plans are not limited solely to engineering requirements but that they take into account the needs of the families living in the area and the shops and the shop workers whose livelihood relies on a regular flow of visitors to the city. All these elements must be considered. I note the bids system which is operational in Dublin city which will also facilitate planning.

Allowing engineers to take over the livelihood and the living conditions of the people of Dublin is not acceptable nor is it acceptable to allow engineers to take double the time to complete construction projects. This creates traffic jams, wreaks havoc on the city and does nothing to reduce the CO2 emissions but rather increases them. These projects must be planned and managed properly as this is the only way to effect the changes proposed in this Bill.

This work is vital for the city and I support it. However, Dublin City Council and the new proposed traffic authority need to take control of the co-ordination of work to ensure that the city can continue to live and breathe. If this is achieved and the new public transport services are delivered on time with the minimum disruption to the people who use the city, we can make a real difference. The measures proposed will have the desired effect. The reduction in reliance on car use will contribute to emissions reductions that are required. It has been proven that commuters will use the new services. Dublin Bus passenger numbers have increased significantly since the introduction of the QBCs. The DART has been a success and its construction was a major project. There was much scepticism at the time as to whether people would use the service. In the end the service had to be expanded, extra rolling stock was purchased and station platforms were extended.

In supporting the introduction of this new Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences)Bill 2008, the timely introduction of a proper public transport service will ensure the proposed changes will make a real difference in the efforts to reduce emissions. I compliment both Ministers on this legislation. We have all listened to what we should and should not do. The previous speaker pointed out that the Minister for Finance had included many of these measures in his projections in previous budgets. The implementation of this legislation will ensure that the required effect is obtained from the changes made. People are willing to make change. It is in everybody's interest and in the interests of the generations to come.

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