Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

It cannot do so. I will take up the matter with An Bord Pleanála although in a general sense only and not in terms of specifics.

On Deputy Broughan's point, I agree that some councils on the periphery of Dublin and some of the Dublin councils have been playing pass the parcel a little in respect of this issue being one for the transport company rather than them. However, that has changed. I have spoken with the CCMA, the representative body of managers, and have emphasised the need for integrated thinking in respect of transport in terms of park and ride facilities, etc..

Deputy Broughan referred to the application by South Dublin County Manager, Mr. Joe Horan, for a bus licence. Cork County Council has licensed a bus operator and the service is operating successfully on a public private partnership, PPP, basis.

On Deputy D'Arcy's point, I will pursue with the NRA and local authorities whether there are parcels of land available that might be suitable for the type of facilities mentioned.

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