Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I strongly support the further extension of the Luas system. I have been campaigning for it for some time. I always took the view that the Luas line should have started at the Point Depot rather than Connolly Station and should have continued on through the west Tallaght estates to serve the communities in Saggart and Citywest. I am glad that a commitment has been given in this regard. I was also critical at the time the Luas was launched that the two lines were not joined. I understand there are engineering difficulties in this regard but I remain of the view that it should be done.

Now that we have seen how successful the initiative has been, there is no doubt that we must continue to develop it. We all know the old saying that to make an omelette, one must break eggs. However, I have heard colleagues make the point that this development will necessitate much disruption in terms of digging up streets and so on. Dubliners and people who visit the city from the west and elsewhere are tolerant of the necessity for some disruption in order to make progress. With the further development of the Luas system and the introduction of the metro, people will understand the challenges that arise. We will all have days when we complain but I expect we will generally be tolerant.

I was not being flippant when I spoke about the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, and the ducks in St. Stephen's Green. The Government and the new authority will have to be sensitive to the effects of development on the local environment, not only in the inner city but also in my area and in the areas which will be served by metro north. Those decisions must be taken in a sensitive way to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum and that heed is taken of preservation requirements. Many of my constituents have expressed concerns to me about how the development will affect Tallaght village, the current infrastructure on the Belgard Road and the site of the institute of technology. Those questions will have to be addressed. I will always be prepared to represent those with such concerns, as will my colleagues. That is very important. When all this infrastructure has been provided, people will be happy. I occasionally visit the airport, although I do not go as often as some. I wish I could have gone to Moscow tonight but we are too busy. I do not want say a lot about the M50 and the problems it is currently encountering.

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